The debate trundles on regards technology – I am not against technology because ultimately, I suppose, its progress on the march, but I am very keen in controlling the distortion it creates. Over the last 100 years, the balls and clubs have clearly changed yet retaining a visual similarity, thus giving today’s golfer a massive advantage over their earlier counterparts. This totally eliminates any type of comparison either in the performance of the golfer or his scorecard. In short, the majority of records have effectively been rendered useless. There is also the course factor to take into account.
Have read many topics on GCA.com, clearly it is a much debated subject. By now most of you will have realised that I yearn for the classic game of golf. Yes, I want a good set of clubs and a ball that will not deform, break or shatter; I want courses that blend in with the adjacent countryside. I don’t agree with mechanical transport or yardage/distance calculators (if you can’t judge distance what the hell are you doing on a golf course – this is also directed at those professionals who want to use artificial aids – because that is exactly what it is). Technology has and is changing the game, forcing longer course to pander for the Professionals and big hitters, but take away the high tech ball/clubs, those who love their long ball game can still achieve their goal, Professionals will still wow the crowds with their performance. Courses can remain within the 20th Century boundaries, reducing maintenance and build cost, limiting the financial burdens on clubs and course owners, which might reflect in sensible green fees.
This is the problem, there is no single authority with the balls to take on the job, to push the debate, coordinate with the equipment manufacturers, clubs/course owners and golfers. I deliberately have not included the Professionals, because of their numbers, and as professionals they could use their ability to adapt their skills to the more traditional game – after all they are paid a massive amount of money to entertain us.
I would of course love to see an overnight change, but I fully understand that others do not share my image of golf. I don’t have the answer, but perhaps we should promote the use of more Hickory clubs and competitions. Allow the golfer the option of a his/her current ball/club combination or the more classical set up, run them both together, but in separate rounds. Encourage and support the Alfie Ward’s of this world. Promote small, older course like Arbury Brae which may slowly but steadily offer an alternative to the current madness.
If you believe that Golf is all about winning then, my friend, you are lost forever.