2023 PGA Show: Tom Watson praises advances in golf technology that make the game easier to play

Golf equipment has evolved and become much more advanced in recent years. In particular, modern technology has allowed clubs to become smaller and golfers to hit the ball farther than ever before. On Wednesday, former PGA Tour golfer Tom Watson joined CBS Sports at PGA Show 2023 to discuss how technology has evolved for the sport — and why it’s so positive.

“It’s great for the game because it makes it easier to play,” said Watson. “The clubs have a girth weight, metal clubhead, and shaft that’s lighter than the old dynamic shaft. Our driver we’ve used in the past is close to 14 ounces. Now, day drivers. Now at 11 ounces higher, you can rotate it faster and hit it farther.

“Everybody wants to hit the ball farther, right? Farther and faster. Every manufacturer wants you to hit the ball farther and faster, and that’s partly true. Technology has really helped golfers. play easier.”

Watson announced his retirement from the sport in 2019 after winning eight major championships during his legendary career. Although he doesn’t play golf professionally anymore, Watson told CBS Sports HQ that he still enjoys hitting the links.

“I still like to play games. I’m a golfer. I still wake up and I’m a golfer,” he said. “I gave my all in golf early in my career and tried to play the best I could. That still hasn’t left me. When I play golf, I still enjoy a perfect shot. It doesn’t happen more than once a month. Going out to practice and hitting one shot after another, I love that.”