Golf courses have been lengthened in recent years to contain a group of longer-hitting golfers
Driving distance in 2012:
- Longest average: 315.5 yards
- Averages over 300 yards: 21
Driving distance in 2002:
- Longest average: 306.8 yards
- Averages over 300 yards: 1
For example: In 2010, Augusta National Golf Club, the site of The Masters, was measured at 7435 yards (6799 meters). This number was 6985 yards (6387 meters) in 2000.
In contrast: The 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines South Course measured 7643 yards (6989 meters). However, the 2013 US Open at Merion Golf Club (East Course) measured 6996 yards (6397 meters and under 7000 yards since 2004). To be fair, the philosophy of the US Open is well-documented, and results historically have been around even par. (1)
All things equal and considered, does course length correlate to the difficulty of golf courses?