Colin Montgomerie claims modern golf is transformed, with Bryson DeChambeau as proof

Montgomerie’s driving distance has not changed much since his playing days, even though the way the game values distance has.

In a European Legends Tour TikTok video, Montgomerie spoke about how new technology has impacted the sport in recent years.

“Believe it or not, I’ve kept the same distance as I was in my so-called heyday, you know. I was 275 in my heyday which I reckon was in the top 10 per cent. Now I’m 275 and I’m in the bottom 10 per cent. Technology has kept me alive really, the ball and club have gained that 25 yards I would have lost.”

But it is not just equipment that has shifted. As Montgomerie pointed out, physical differences are also noticeable.

“Unfortunately, nowadays, the athleticism of the players, I mean we never played against the likes of Brooks Koepka, DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, these are man-mountains these guys. It’s all about length, length, length. The words skill, finesse and feel have sort of gone really. It’s bash it as hard as you can and attempt to find it. It’s a different game.”

It is true that strength and speed are bigger factors now than they were during Montgomerie’s era. But there are still aspects of feel around short games that matter as much as they did then.

The difference between PGA Tour driving distances then vs now

PGA Tour players hit drives an average of over 40 yards further today than they did back then.

When he first broke onto tour with some success, a premium was put on accuracy with longer clubs rather than speed or power.

This chart highlights just how significant those changes have been:

The biggest concern is what might happen if this continues to spiral outwards – especially when considering some older courses may become obsolete due to their length limitations relative to modern equipment standards or golfer ability levels today compared to previous decades.