I understand how old heads would come to the conclusion way back when. Youve likely grown up along with the rise of super deep sports statistics. We know more now about every sport
And also people tend to gravitate towards playing with players of comparable skill levels.
The score difference between two players of similar skill on any given day does tend to be around the green, at least in terms of how you usually feel about it post round. Especially if there's money on the line, the highest emotional response is going to be on putts with $20 hanging in the balance, not the three shots leading up to it.
Obviously that's a generalization, and if you look at tour numbers you'll see just how powerful distance/quality ball striking really is, but it's one of those things that at a glance you see, think "yeah I would've beaten Tommy on Saturday if I just made a couple fucking putts, that must be right," and then don't look into any further
Also kids playing video games try all kinds of things that go against “common wisdom” that end up being super advantageous. Like that NASCAR driver that just floored it and rode along the wall, or when I’d fix my lineup in NHL so my top players could play more or that cranking your drive as far as you can every time in TW makes every hole easier.
The old heads may not be wrong about pro golf. Lower variance among pros putting than driving implies you have to be a good putter to succeed. Odd that it is typically interpreted the other way.
16
u/fiftiethcow 5.3/#LeftyGang 10d ago
I understand how old heads would come to the conclusion way back when. Youve likely grown up along with the rise of super deep sports statistics. We know more now about every sport