5 Things: Jack, Jordan, Bubba and Rory (and not a mention of Tiger)

1) Nicklaus – a different ball for different courses

Jack speaks, we all listen, even if he is making the same point that he has made for years.

Nicklaus doesn’t like the ridiculous distances that the modern ball travels and he has come up with a solution to the seemingly never-ending problem – create a ball to suit the course rather than having to pile on extra yardage with new back tees.

“We don’t want to change the game for the core golfer, but we need to make every effort to offer alternatives to bring more people into the game and keep them in the game,” Nicklaus said.

And here it comes…”I think we need to develop a golf ball to suit the golf course, rather than build courses to suit a golf ball. Whether it’s a ball that goes 50 per cent, 75 per cent or 100 per cent, you play a ball that fits the course and your game.”

All of which sounds very revolutionary but, according to the Golden Bear, it’s not a new fix.

“We used to do it when travelling to play the Open and switching from the large ball to the small. It took us only a day to get used to a different ball. But when land is a dear commodity and water is scarce, you need to do something to respond to today’s situation.

“Fact is, more golf courses have closed in the US in each of the last 10 years than have opened. This is thanks in great part to changes in the golf ball and the distance it travels.”

2) Spieth happy enough with his 2016

Jordan Spieth has rated his season ‘a B, B-plus’ after winning twice on the PGA Tour, as well as the Aussie Open, and helping America to a rare Ryder Cup victory.

Oh, it all could have been so different, maybe an A-minus, but for a wonky tee shot (and subsequent wedge) at Augusta.

But, despite some of the odd criticism of his efforts, not a bad effort for someone who is still only 23 and coming in off the back of one of the most impressive seasons in the history of the game.

“I wish I was in contention more than once in the Majors, so that was a bit of a letdown.

“You can’t keep a record-breaking year up every single year. Nobody does. Yet at the same time, how can you convince yourself that if you’re more of a perfectionist?”

And then he delivered the kind of sharp, intelligent retort that we’ve come to love in the past few years.

“What I like to say now whenever I’m asked about comparing 2015 and why I didn’t have the same success is, if I did, by the end of my career I’d have 120 wins and what, 50 Majors? How exactly can you do that? You can’t.”

Quite.

3) Bubba can’t get enough of the Ryder Cup

Last week Bubba Watson revealed he was interested in becoming a mayor, now he is keen on captaining his country in the Ryder Cup.

Despite being the World No 7 he didn’t get the nod from Captain Love but, strangely, he was then involved as one of Love’s assistants.

And while he thinks there are more playing appearances in the future, he has just turned 38, he would love to take over the big job.

“I’ve always looked at Ryder Cup captain and Hall of Fame as the same,” he said. “You might not make the Hall of Fame, but because of who you are and what you’ve done for the game of golf, we’re going to pick you as Ryder Cup captain, so it’s another form of Hall of Fame.

“So do I think I could do well at it? Yes. Would I want to do it? Yes, in a heartbeat. I would do it next year, the year after, I’d do it every year.”

Though, if he never does become the man who delivers the speeches and has the final say on the team, Watson will also put his hand up.

“I told them even in the team room, I said I’d be vice-captain for life. If you let me just sign up now as vice-captain for life, I’ll do it. I’m in, because I just had so much fun doing it and enjoyed it so much.”

4) They don’t just do skimming at Augusta..

Skimming the ball across the water to 3 feet… ?

What a shot @BrandenGrace ? https://t.co/eGewUMvNFr

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) November 30, 2016