Scottie Scheffler vents frustration at golf’s distance problem on eve of The Open
World number one Scottie Scheffler addressed golf’s ongoing distance issue in his pre-tournament press conference at Royal Troon on Tuesday, ahead of The Open. Scheffler highlighted the upcoming changes in golf ball regulations set by the R&A and USGA, aimed at reducing driving distances by 13-15 yards from 2028. **Distance Dilemma** Scheffler expressed frustration with…
World number one Scottie Scheffler addressed golf’s ongoing distance issue in his pre-tournament press conference at Royal Troon on Tuesday, ahead of The Open. Scheffler highlighted the upcoming changes in golf ball regulations set by the R&A and USGA, aimed at reducing driving distances by 13-15 yards from 2028.
**Distance Dilemma**
Scheffler expressed frustration with the current approach to managing distance, which often involves extending the length of holes. He used Troon’s short eighth hole, known as the Postage Stamp, as an example of how shorter holes can still present significant challenges. Measuring just 120 yards, the hole is notorious for causing high scores among players. While Bryson DeChambeau predicted potential “diabolical” scenes, Tiger Woods humorously summarized the hole’s challenge: “Green good, miss green bad.”
**Embracing Short Holes**
Scheffler praised short par-threes, emphasizing that great holes don’t need to be long to be challenging. He cited Augusta’s 12th hole and Sawgrass’s 17th as examples of iconic short par-threes. “No. 8 is a good little way to almost step back in time and control your ball a bit more,” Scheffler said. He believes these holes encourage precision and skill, rather than just power. “You don’t have to make a par-three 230 yards to make it a great hole. It can be 120 yards.”
**Bunker Strategy**
Scheffler also discussed the importance of bunker play at Royal Troon. He appreciated the R&A’s changes to bunker design, moving away from the flat, luck-based bunkers of last year to more traditionally sloped ones. “Last year I thought it was a bit silly how they flattened out each bunker,” he remarked. The revised bunkers allow for strategic play, offering players the choice to either take on the challenging lips or play it safe. “It leaves more opportunity for great shots and risk and reward around the greens and the fairways.”
**Tee Time**
Scheffler will begin his tournament with a late afternoon tee time on Thursday, paired with fellow Americans Jordan Spieth and Cameron Young. The trio is set to tee off at 15:10 BST.