The impact of shorter fairways on players can't be forgotten, but I think it has been. It's very similar to the green speed factor.
I used to play on fairways cut between 1/2" and 3/4" and could sweep the ball off the top of the grass as it sat up pretty well. Now I play (not by choice) on fairways cut between 3/8" and 1/2", and there's very little room for error, particularly on Bermuda grass that grows horizontally and the ball doesn't sit up again.
To me it's a huge problem to the point where I've had to change the way I hit my irons on tight, and even worse on tight and wet fairways which is the worst possible combination. If the fairways are firm it makes it easier but in this day and age, particularly in the Southeast not too many courses are usually firm -- they have to be bright green for member egos and real estate sales.
If the ball sits up, I can take a full, smooth swing and sweep the ball off the fairway. If they're cut short (and wet makes it worse) I have to make a shorter swing and make sure I hit the ball first and take a divot under and after the ball. It's almost a punch shot, and it's real easy to hit it thin or fat. For me it is taking some of the enjoyment of hitting iron shots, and I would much rather play of a 1/2" cut -- I'm a 9 handicap, and used to be better. I can't believe this issue has been discussed much more by now.
What do you guys think about this? To me it's another example of technology making my life more difficult.