Tom (Blow by blow)
my take:
Ball-HUGE-longer and straighter AND the benefit of 2-piece for the good player
Driver-The biggest help to the good player - in my opinion -by far-Doesn't even need explainin'.
Irons-Blades still help the better player, but the modified blades such as my Taylor 300's are a huge improvement-workability and forgiveness (Took me years to change) once again help the best players the most
Wedges-Dial a shot here. How good are you with ONE wedge in the bag? Hmmmmm? But, we were hitting flop shots and the like back in 1969, Mickleson and Tiger didn't invent these (Or the wedge ball-bouncing game) in spite of what "common knowledge" is. Good wedge players are helped even more here.
Putters-Starting with the Ping Anser, more putters for different "putters" definitely helps the better player, but not as much here perhaps.
Agronomics-? Help or hurt putting, shotmaking? I don't know- a push. Good putters have always been around. They can putt with soup cans tied to fishing rods.
Also-Palmer used to hit his drivers about 30 feet (Literally) off the ground in the 1960's, so I don't think Tiger invented the low ball.
So
Q.E.D.Best players helped the most.