Ernie Els has shown flashes of a return to form this season, but the South African laments the influence equipment and technology have had in leveling the field.
“Equipment advances have had a huge effect on the ability of anyone to separate himself from the rest,” said Els, according to the Scotsman.
“Everyone is custom-fitted these days. The belly putter helps people like me. The big-headed drivers mean that everyone hits it like only Greg Norman used to. You can even get clubs that will help you eliminate draws or fades. Guys are more educated about their own games. Course management is better. And so is fitness.’
Els famously said at the Frys.com Open last year he will continue to use a belly putter to ‘cheat like everyone else.’ He feels driver and wedge technology have also reduced those skills from an art form.
His remedy? For the game’s ruling bodies to scale back equipment, particularly for pros.
“I look around now and see guys winning, guys who could never have done so 20 years ago,’ he said. ‘Maybe we pros do need to have smaller drivers, less lofted wedges and a ball everyone must use.”