Golfers Unite golfersunite.groupsite.com

I no longer play golf, even though I sometimes enjoy watching some of the tournaments on TV.  Incidentally, I was born at Pinehurst, N. C. and formally played all of those courses....free back in the 60's & 70's.

I've heard the term "Tiger proofing the courses."  Exactly, what does that mean?  I'm confused.  Aren't today's golf balls and clubs superior to those of just a decade ago, making it easier for more distance and perhaps better control?  How does the equipment of 2010 stack up to the same during the Nicklaus era?  If todays' equipment is better in ways, doesn't that mean that today's elite golfers should play better?

I notice that out of the list of top 20 golfers of all time, Nicklaus had much more competition than Tiger.  He was teeing it up vs. no fewer than seven on the top 20 list whereas Tiger has none on the list.  Also, there were other great shot-makers during the Nicklaus era--Lanny Wadkins, Curtis Strange, Johnny Miller, Raymond Floyd, Nick Faldo, et.al., all of whom won several majors.  It certainly seems that Nicklaus had much more competition than Woods.

I think that maybe the best barometer for comparing Woods to Nicklaus, may be Augusta National.  Where were the tees then and now.  What are their competitive scores, who hit the most fairways & greens in regulation and how many of the top 20 of all time were on their heels?  

It will be interesting to see if Woods breaks Jack's record for majors.  More power to him if he does but that remains to be seen. 

Sincerely,

Chris David