The TOUR Insider: The TOUR doesn't end at 40
By Stan Awtrey, PGATOUR.COM Contributor
A light flickered on in the collective brain of the golfing populace two weeks ago when Kenny Perry nearly won the Masters. It became more obvious than ever that "These Old Guys Are Good." Creaky, but good.
Perhaps never in the history of professional golf has there been this many competitive 40somethings on the PGA TOUR. Three have already won this year: Perry (48) at the FBR Open, Retief Goosen (40) at the Transitions Championship, and Michael Bradley (42) at the Puerto Rico Open. Nearly ready to join the list of those eligible for 10 cent coffee at McDonalds are newly minted Masters champion Angel Cabrera (39) and Phil Mickelson, who turns 39 this summer.
It looks like 40 is the new 30 on the PGA TOUR these days.
"It's different than it was 30 years ago," said Corey Pavin, 49, the 2010 Ryder Cup captain. "Guys are taking better care of themselves, they're staying in shape, they're eating better, not drinking so much. Guys see the longevity, and they feel if they stay in shape, they can have a longer career."
The top 25 at last week's Verizon Heritage included 10 guys who have made at least 42 journeys around the sun. Two of them, Lee Janzen (44) and Todd Hamilton (43), tied for fourth. One of them, Tom Lehman, began the final round tied for sixth and finished tied for 21st; he'll make his Champions Tour debut this week in Savannah.
Brad Faxon, 47, said this is nothing new, and that there have always been competitive 40somethings on the PGA TOUR. Arnold Palmer won when he was 44, Gary Player when he was 43. Faxon points to the win by Jack Nicklaus, then 46, at the 1986 Masters as Exhibit A.
"When Jack won it at 46, there may have been some guys who realized they weren't done when they turned 40," agreed Scott Verplank, 44.
There's no question the equipment has improved. The drivers are designed to hit the ball farther and have helped equalize some of the advantages enjoyed by the younger set. The golf balls are built to capitalize on the strengths and diminish the weaknesses of players, too.
But the main difference might be physical fitness. While old-timers may have worked out with a series of 12-ounce curls or by inhaling a pack of smokes (good for the lungs, right?) today's professionals are more likely to be seen in the fitness trailer or stretching out their hamstrings in the locker room before a round. They'll pass on the 32-ounce sirloin in favor of some grilled chicken.
"Guys are taking better care of themselves because they can't afford not to," said Joe Durant, 45. "If you want to stay out here, you've got to stay in better shape. That's just part of being out here now."
It wasn't long ago that many professionals had to survive an eight- or 10-year bridge from the PGA TOUR to the Champions Tour. Now that age gap has shrunk to five years or less. Fred Funk won on the PGA TOUR when he was 50. Vijay Singh won the FedExCup last year at age 45. Perry won three times last year and was a star of the Ryder Cup team at the age of 47.
"I'd love to pattern the end of my career after Kenny's," Durant said.
Most of the more mature players aren't out here to take up space. Their competitive juices flow like never before. They still want to win; that has not changed with age.
"As long as I can play and compete and feel like I can win tournaments, I'll stay out here," Pavin said.
Most of his colleagues feel the same way.
Stan Awtrey is a freelance columnist for PGATOUR.COM. His views do not necessarily reflect the views of the PGA TOUR.
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