One match? New or old equipment? I doubt the new generation will top Arnold before they retire.

Won 22 career Ryder Cup matches, a U.S. record

Shares record for most consecutive PGA Tour seasons with a victory (17, 1955-71; tied with Jack Nicklaus)

Led PGA Tour in wins in five different seasons, and was the Tour’s money winner four times

One of three players to win four or more Masters (Nicklaus, 6; Tiger Woods, 4)

Finished top 10 in 11 consecutive Masters and recorded 50 straight starts, from 1955 to 2004

Holds record for largest final-round comeback in U.S. Open (seven shots, 1960)

Apples and oranges. Overall, the Tour is stronger due to the general training and athleticism of anyone getting on tour. "Back in the day" a post-round workout mostly involved the 19th hole (a tradition I try to continue still). But these young guns can swing faster using shoe boxes for drivers. Working with a persimmon driver smaller than current 5W's, how can you compare? If Jack and Arnie are using the equipment they used, and JT was all decked out for 2019, JT would win. It could best be left that Bobby, Sam, Arnie, Jack, Gary, and Greg could compete in their prime against Tiger, Phil, JS, JT, and Dustin - because that's what winners do.

Cant compare and it not fair to the generations.. Like saying Jim Brown v Barry Sanders v Emmitt Smith... Will the old generation use their clubs and the youngsters use theirs, if so, I'll take technology. The courses are definitely maintained drastically differently than in the past.

Great players would be great in any era. Players of yesteryear were shotmakers, not trying to make the perfect swing every time. Persimmon woods, Balata balls and small headed blade irons with 3 or 4 more degrees of loft per club would not allow the players of today to approach the game in the same manner. I attended PGA in the '70's and '80's and trust me, they practiced. You don't think Palmer, Nicklaus Trevino, et al just changed their shoes and strolled up to the first tee, do you? Hey, this discussion will go on forever. 50 or 60 years from now someone will be asking if Tiger, Phil, Dustin, JT and JS could have beaten some bunch of kids that haven't even been born yet.

You definitely don't see guys looking like Craig Stadler anymore. Then again Beef Johnson does embrace the bigger guy look pretty well.

The new generation of players certainly can overpower courses but the old guys were magicians.

SAME EQUIPMENT WOULD BE USED

Pretty much what Todd T said... The biggest thing is technology and equipment's. I mean it's a different game today then what it was 20, 30, 40 plus years ago.

I will say no one comes close to Bobby Jones swing.. Something about his swing that's pure beauty..

1977 Masters Sam Snead & Seve on the range. Notice the caddies down range with shag bags.


https://youtu.be/TT68ZSiiPqE

Today's tour players should all watch this video. It shows a man who had the same swing in 1977 that he had in 1937, as opposed to the player of today, who seemingly looks to make constant changes, bringing teacher and trackman to every range session.

This is like trying to compare boxers who have never fought each other - There is no right answer, no wrong answer and no outcome other than a family squabble...
You can't compare Old Tom Morris with Vardon/Taylor/Braid against Jones, or against Hogan/Snead/Nelson or with Palmer/Nicklaus/Trevino.... well you can, but with no satisfactory outcome.
JT

I feel the speed and care of the greens has changed so drastically for the better. MOI putters vs. a Bullseye-style putter would be such a difference maker in our "match"...

Nice post Deno! enjoyed that. But you're right. Apples and oranges. Remember however they could smash it when they wanted to. Cherry Hills......over 50 years ago, 300+ yard first hole, and Arnie drives it. With the old equipment and the old balls. Remember they'd take a couple dozen balls to find a dozen or less that were actually really round, and the center in the center. Slower greens, higher and more rough, it was more of a penalty to miss a fairway Another thing though back then, the pros did spend post round at the 19th hole, and eat dinner at the Club too, and mingle with the members in appreciation of the members giving up their club during prime golf weather, so they could hold the tournament there. Those days are long gone. Finish, off in the courtesy car to the rented home, with the swing coach, the head coach, the agent, and the rest of their "team". There isn't much time for mingling and thanking the members anymore.

Prior generations were better/pure players. They smoked, drank, eat like Elivis and still were excellent players. They didn’t have the same luxury as today’s players and played with basic technology.

ty

Nate
You be the judge. I'd say the old guys win. Enjoy

https://youtu.be/5uTc61maA1I