Golf Special Report: U.S. Golfers on a decline, with only 6 positions in top 20
The impressive Louis Oosthuizen and now also a world champion put up a great show at the Open Championships that finished earlier this week. The thing that comes to U.S. as a surprise is none of the U.S. golfers was able to put up a great show. Maybe it is because of the expectations keeping in mind the traditions of U.S. golf. However, The Open Championship saw the U.S. golfers manage only six positions in the top twenty.
With the senior British Open now under way, only six of the top twenty golfers on the leader board are non- U.S. golfers. This is the type of performance and dominance they are usually known for. The U.S. golfers that are a part of the Senior British Open are great veterans of the 1980’s and the 1990’s. The Open also comprises of players like John Cook, Corey Pavin, Jeff Sluman, Larry Mize, Tom Lehman, and Mark Calcavecchiav from the U.S.
The British Championship or The Open Championship saw the first U.S. golfer Nick Watney, appearing finishing in the seventh position. Rickie Fowler finished in 14th position, was tied with 50-year-old Tom Lehman, JB Holmes, and Dustin Johnson. The level of expectancy is so great, that finishing in these spots questions the future of U.S. golf. The level of disappointment and failure was so great for U.S. that one of the legends of the game, Tiger Woods managed only 23rd position. Hunter Mahan and Ricky Barnes were among the other U.S. golfers who finished in 37thand 44th positions respectively.
Tom Lehman, who finished in 14th managed to come out on top of the golfers who are twenty years younger than him. This 50 year old golfer will next Monday will be flying to Seattle to compete in his third major in third week.
The youngsters are somewhat failing and don’t show the level of quality and dominance that golfers like Tiger Woods have shown. Tiger Woods, who became a pro at a young age, dominated the sport without a doubt. He grabbed every opportunity that led to success, ultimately resulting in him being one of the greats in the history of golf.
The question that comes to mind is that maybe the players are satisfied wherever they finish. This being due to the money they receive, even if they finish in the top twenty. Another reason might be the fact that they want their swing to be perfect and aim for that, rather than for the score. Finally, it might be that other players are simply better than the U.S. golfers and nothing out of the ordinary should be expected from them anymore.
The level of money in the sport has dramatically increased. For instance, in 1995 at the Players Championship, the winner prize money was $540,000. Compared to this year’s winner prize $1,710,000 at the Players Championship, which is a great deal of money!
This can also be assessed from the fact that amongst the most earning athletes in any U.S. sport at the moment has golfers at the top two spots. First being Tiger Woods and second Phil Mickelson. The earnings not only include the prize money that they receive during the tournaments but also the endorsements.
Another factor that the U.S. golfers are lagging behind may be the quantity of top level golfers in the U.S. For instance, players like Ernie Els, who may have been known as the Tiger Woods of South Africa, helped players like Louis Oosthuizen to reach the top. The U.S. consists of many potentially winning golfers with a doubt. It can be guessed that they have around 100 top golfers making it impossible to pick and groom a single one.
The size of other countries can be compared the size of one U.S. state supporting the above statement.
Considering all these factors in mind, still it remains an unanswered question that why were there only six U.S. golfers in the top 20 at The British Open.
Is it because of the money? Or simply the fact that other players are better than the U.S. players in the modern era.
Tags: