All very interesting, yet not much changes or leadership from the Ruling Bodies. Technology marches on with longer courses, using excuses that it’s for The Tour and the Top Professionals.
Ideas are suggested, regards ball and their composition, technology with club design – various shapes, sizes, angles etc, etc. Problem is no one is actually doing anything to stop it.
In my opinion a golf course SHOULD be designed for the AVERAGE player not for the Professionals. If they are so good then they need to adapt to a NORMAL length course. The money for our industry ultimately comes from the average golfer, not Tiger, Faldo, Nicklaus etc they take money from the sport in return for entertainment and endorsements.
Golf is being corrupted from within. There seems to be no real guidance, certainly no leadership. Look at other sports that use technology for its very existence, Motor Racing – Formula 1.
Their ruling body The FIA has no problem taking the lead, they accept that technology needs to be controlled and have over the last decade band the use of driver’s aids i.e. ABS, Traction Control, Slick tyres to name but a few changes. One of the reasons is to make it more of an actual race and improve spectator pleasure. The Professional Racing Driver has to accept their decisions and race with the result.
If Formula 1 can do it why on earth can’t the R&A and USGA. Relatively speaking there is no comparison between the technology used in Formula 1 and the ball and a few clubs we use in golf.
Perhaps we should consider the old Hickory shafted clubs and gutta ball for all competitions. Bring back a bit of honesty into golf, because it is certainly needed.
Who pays for your set of clubs, balls, golfing clothes, golfing shoes and green fees, it’s very simple you do not the Professionals, so it’s your sport and the courses should be designed for you (and us).