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Shots Fired: Daly Throws Shade at Bryson
After taking aim at Bryson DeChambeau, the current leader in long-drive distance, John Daly claimed he could have easily outdriven him in his prime and that the balata ball that he used in the 1990s is no longer necessary.
Bryson DeChambeau has been the PGA Tour leader in driving distance for the past few years, averaging 320 yards from the tee, but we all know that he has a number of drives that have exceeded 400 yards.
To put that into perspective 20 years ago, Daly led the PGA Tour in driving distance at just over 300 yards.
However, one of the main reasons balata was thought of as a “pro’s ball” or “low handicapper’s ball” back in the 90s was because its soft, balata cover cut so easily on mishits.
Balata balls were made from a rubber-like material that was found in nature. Higher loft irons, such as wedges, had more spin because of the soft coating on the outside of the ball. Despite the fact that it had a higher spin rate, it also traveled less.
Daly believes that today’s premium and more durable golf balls are much easier to hit straight than they were in his day, despite the fact that amateurs still have difficulty finding fairways.
DeChambeau, who finished sixth in the World Long Drive Championship in 2021, has been working even harder to improve his distance in the off-season, according to recent social media and YouTube posts.
As a result, DeChambeau has now pushed his ball speed up over the 220 mph mark for the first time in his career.
But while Daly is certainly impressed with what DeChambeau is doing with the driver as we head into 2022, the two-time major champion cannot help but feel golf is much easier than it was back in the 80s and 90s – as a result of no longer using a balata ball.
He also believes DeChambeau is still shy of where he was some 25 years ago… and that he was even hitting a 1-iron as far as Bryson hits his driver.
WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW – skip to 1:17 in the video to watch Daly’s thoughts on Bryson and long driving
“I looked at the monitor at The Masters last year, and he [Bryson] was at 200/205mph ball speed or something, and I remember Nick Faldo was watching him, and I was like ‘Nick, I was at 220mph, man’ and that’s with the balata ball. I was carrying the ball 330/340mph with the balata ball… and that wasn’t even with a driver” said Daly on the Full Send Podcast.
Daly added: “What Bryson is doing is phenomenal, but most tournaments I played in I hardly ever hit a driver.
“In my prime I hit 1-irons, a PING 1-iron. I would fly that thing 300 yards. I’d even cut that thing 280 [yards] into par 5s.
“The golf ball is so easy [to hit] now, it’s so straight. I mean, no disrespect to the guys out there today, Tiger [Woods] would agree.
“You put a balata ball in hands of Bryson…”
Daly was then asked by the podcast hosts as to whether he would outdrive DeChambeau had been using the golf balls they are using on the PGA Tour today when back in his prime.
“Oh by far I would… I’m the straightest long hitter that ever lived,” said Daly.
“I don’t brag but Tom Watson said that.”
Read the original article on Golf Magic.
Spanning over half a century, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has undergone changes in latitude as well as attitude. But the core of the tournament remains not only the exceptional golf by the world’s best players, but also the lore surrounding each yearly winter extravaganza.
Wyndham Clark made history at the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Tied for 23rd heading into Saturday’s third round, he ended the day in first place with a 12-under 60, setting the course record for the lowest score ever at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
In 2017, Justin Rose & Justin Timberlake collaborated on one of the most unique moments in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am history. While JR took a selfie, JT nearly made an ace on the iconic par-3 7th ultimately leading to a tap-in birdie.
Always a fan favorite and one of the best entertainers Pebble Beach has ever seen, check out Bill Murray’s best shots and funniest moments from his career at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Signature moments from the five U.S. Opens that were held at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links, site of the 2019 championship.
Perhaps remembered best for a hole out at the par-4 15th hole, Tiger Woods came back from a 5-shot deficit to move past 54-hole co-leaders Mark Brooks and Matt Gogel and claim victory at the 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Iconic courses, iconic golfers. See you at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, returning for its second year as a PGA TOUR Signature Event.
The 2025 LIV Golf season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the league’s short but impactful history. With its disruptive approach to the sport, LIV Golf continues to challenge traditions and generate buzz. Here are the most compelling storylines to follow as the season unfolds:
1. New Players, Fresh Rivalries
One of the most exciting aspects of this season is the arrival of new talent. LIV Golf has successfully attracted top-ranked players from the PGA Tour, thanks to its lucrative contracts and innovative format. The clash of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers promises to create intense rivalries. Will the newcomers shake up the established order, or will the veterans defend their turf?
2. Team Dynamics in Focus
LIV Golf’s unique team-based format continues to set it apart from traditional golf tours. Teams like Crushers GC, Fireballs GC, and 4Aces GC have cultivated strong fan followings. This season, roster changes and new strategies could shift the balance of power. How will captains adapt their leadership styles to foster team cohesion and success? And which team will dominate the standings?
3. The Battle for Global Expansion
LIV Golf has emphasized its commitment to expanding the sport globally, with events scheduled in emerging golf markets like India, South Korea, and Brazil. These new venues not only offer fresh challenges for players but also present opportunities to engage with diverse fanbases. Will LIV’s global push solidify its status as a truly international tour?
4. Technology and Fan Engagement
One hallmark of LIV Golf is its embrace of technology to enhance fan experiences. This season, expect to see advancements in augmented reality, interactive broadcasts, and player mic-ups. These innovations aim to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. Will these efforts further distinguish LIV Golf as the most fan-friendly tour?
5. The PGA Tour Rivalry
The tension between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour remains a defining narrative. With both organizations vying for the loyalty of players and fans, the stakes have never been higher. High-profile defections and joint-event rumors keep fueling speculation. Could 2025 be the year where cooperation begins to overshadow conflict, or will the rivalry escalate further?
6. Defending Champions and Underdog Stories
Every sports season needs its heroes and Cinderella stories, and LIV Golf is no exception. Last season’s champions return to defend their titles, but a host of underdogs are poised to challenge their reign. The unpredictability of golf means that anyone could have their breakout moment. Which players will rise to the occasion and capture the spotlight?
7. Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Amid growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, LIV Golf has pledged to make its tournaments more environmentally friendly. This includes reducing carbon footprints, promoting renewable energy, and supporting local communities at host venues. Will these efforts resonate with fans and set a new standard for the sport?
8. The Legacy Question
As LIV Golf grows, questions about its long-term impact on the sport persist. Critics argue that it’s diluting tradition, while supporters believe it’s revolutionizing golf for a new generation. How will this season shape the league’s legacy? Will LIV Golf prove its staying power or face challenges that threaten its future?
With a mix of drama, innovation, and high-stakes competition, the 2025 LIV Golf season is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a fan of the league’s modern twist, there’s no denying that LIV Golf is making waves and keeping the world of golf on edge.
During the 2025 American Express, PGA Tour rookie William Mouw found himself in a deep, 20-foot bunker on the par-5 16th hole—famously known as the “San Andreas Fault” for its ability to frustrate even seasoned pros.
Mouw’s shots went from bad to worse: after escaping the bunker twice, he’d end up back in it. After an epic 13 strokes, he followed up with a triple bogey on the 17th.
Despite a 5-under 67 in the next round, he missed the cut by 9 shots.
The lesson is to remain resilient despite setbacks. The 16th hole demonstrated how quickly things can go sideways, but his ability to shake off the octuple bogey and finish the weekend strong with a 67 shows that recovery and perseverance are key. Golf is unpredictable, but staying positive and focused on the next shot is crucial. Mouw’s resilience in the face of adversity can be an important learning experience as he moves forward in his career.
Golf: always full of surprises!
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