Niall
I believe that the R&A, being the Governing body of our Game of Golf has caused most of our current problems by their inability to react or to utilise the new technologies dating back to events after WW1. This was the period, you may recall through your searches when much was discussed about the ball. The R&A being left well behind the USGA and never seem to have caught up let alone taken control of the situation.
The answer has never been the need to extend the length of each hole or to strive ever forward to 8,000 – 10,000 yard course. Two rounds of 10,000yards each that is a challenge. The answer is in the ability to understand and take control of the new technologies, incorporate them within the game without the need of vast financial commitments in minor/major course modifications.
I keep asking myself and others why is it only golf that has to change its playing fields. We have not seen much change in Football (UK & American), Rugby, I believe that also applies to Tennis, Basketball, Baseball to name but a few, so why do we accept it in Golf?
Pray tell me what real advantage do we get by constantly increasing the length of our courses apart from great big bills to undertake the work. The answer is none, the control of the game has slipped out the back door or perhaps I should say the equipment manufactures sneaked in without the Governing Bodies noticing and have taken the real control of the game. Its their need to sell equipment that drives the constant changing of our courses, they are keen to see ball travel increase, as last year equipment is now out of date and will not give the same help in hitting the fairway in say two. They, the equipment manufacture are in control. Try to change the rules and guess what you may have a court case on your hands. So much for some manufacturers caring about the game millions love, its just down to pure money and our Governing Bodies never saw it coming. There is a simple way for the Governing Bodies to regain the initiative, ask the golfers to boycott those manufacturers that will not work with us. Lost orders always send an alarm call to the shareholders so taking our Governing Bodies to court will just add to their loss of sales. No sales, no money for legal costs. Yet we need to work with all ,if possible, the manufactures, the courses, the governing Bodies and last but certainly not least the Average Golfer. No I would and do not include the professionals, they have gone alone with them being paid by the manufacturers (a simple and clear conflict of interest).
We have the Technology (as an old TV show use to say), so rather than rebuild courses why not control and incorporate it within the equipment, maintaining the status quo. IMHO, the game needs consistency, that in twenty years time I can play the same courses and still be able to evaluate my game, on a hole-by-hole basis, but with these (what appear to be) constant changes its impossible. However, I can still judge how my athletics compare, the long & high jumps, all distance and other field events (rather poor compared to my teens).
Why do we need to keep increasing our courses - is it perhaps that our Governing Body just donot care, because that is the message I get. They seem to want to control the cash and seem to have forgotten their responsibility of MAINTAINING the game of Golf. Perhaps the biggest shame is that they have experience and quality individuals who know the game and have the ability to control the game by fast and prompt action, alas, they may never get the chance.
I am looking forward to the time when the Links Trust feels the need to lengthen the 1st Hole on TOC, utilising the same train of thought as the Road Hole by deciding to pull back the 1st Tee by 20-35 yard. Wonder if the R&A will agree so readily to that one.
Burying your head in the sand (in this case the Road Hole Bunker) is no way to behave if you are meant to be Governing the Game of Golf. Then why should the R&A break with this tradition, perhaps, just perhaps for the sack of Golf, the game, which you have a responsibility to protect.
School Report on the R&A
Inattentive on the core subject matters, however skilful on generating money.
When Tested on the core subject seem to have learnt very little over the last term of 100 years
Concerns as to it having a future on its core subject in golf but expect will do well away from the game
Needs to vastly improve its communicative skills or may find itself alienated from the game of golf.
Like a Policeman when we need one they are never there, wonder if that will be the epitaph for The Royal & Ancient. I sincerely hope not, I would dearly love to see them face up to the current problems with real strength and determination to put Golf back into the Game. If they did, I would go as far as to forgive them for what they have done to my father’s old home 6 Pilmour Links (Old Tom’s old house and the home where Young Tommy died). Let me tell you that is a massive gesture of forgiveness on my part.
Melvyn