SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Much has changed in the world of golf over the past 25 years, with professional players becoming stronger and faster, according to two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen.
From Wine to Protein Shakes
Speaking Thursday as the tournament kicked off, Goosen noted that golf has transformed into a more athletic sport than ever before. "The guys drink protein shakes and stuff, and we used to drink wine and all that stuff," he said, drawing a laugh from 1995 champion Corey Pavin, who added, "Speak for yourself."
Technological Advances
Goosen, who won his second major at Shinnecock Hills in 2004, highlighted the role of technology in the game's evolution. "When we grew up, there was none of that science around, or early on, all the launch monitors and all that stuff. It wasn't that easy to dial in your stuff like they can now," he explained.
He emphasized that modern players are more athletic, but noted that age and wear-and-tear eventually catch up. "As you get older, flexibility is the main thing. We work on trying to stay flexible and stay away from injuries ... but when you're young, as we all know, you just swing away. There's no issue. Eventually it will catch up."
Course Changes at Shinnecock Hills
Corey Pavin, who also won at Shinnecock, pointed out significant changes to the course since his victory 31 years ago. "Certainly the length of the course has changed," he said of the 7,400-yard setup. "The fairways are much wider. I'm not a huge fan of that personally, but it is what it is."
Pavin noted that rough around the greens has been replaced by run-off areas, altering how players approach shots. "You can miss the green by five feet, or even on the green it can roll off and roll 20 yards. So your short game ability and what you need to do has changed out here ... It's just a different setup than if you want to call it a typical U.S. Open."
Challenges for Older Players
During a two-hour fog delay on Thursday, the 66-year-old Pavin thought about 54-year-old Padraig Harrington, one of the week's elder statesmen. "I was watching the TV this morning, and Padraig came on and said that he warmed up, and then he had to stop and come back," Pavin recalled. "He's in good shape, but he said, it's kind of tough on an old guy like that to have to warm up twice. You only have so much energy. I'm sure he was joking, but that's hard."
Goosen agreed that youth has an advantage in such situations. "These young guys, they have physios and nutritionists and all that stuff with them. I'm sure they will find good use of their time," he said.
Goosen, now 57, last played in a major at the 2018 Open Championship. He currently competes on the Champions Tour, where he has won five times, including the Mitsubishi Electric Classic in April.
