Matt-
My main point is that we shouldn't expect behavior beyond one's nature or self-interest. I don't believe that technology is the major factor in higher green fees, and that together with higher equipment costs, it is resulting in lower participation. I understand that the USGA does not have the enforcement powers of the SEC, but as a rule making body, in my opinion, it has abdicated its responsibilities. The ERC II's lack of commercial success in this country suggests to me at least that the USGA is able to arrest the technology race. Regarding my comment about Torrey Pines, I thought that the pre-renovation course was plenty long for me. I am not a proponent of lengthening or renovating a course for the single purpose of holding a periodic professional tournament.
TEP-
Wishful thinking! If Tiger continues to play as he has for another 15+/- years, he will have surpassed all of Nicklaus's records. Nicklaus is widely thought to be the greatest player of all time because of his record in the majors in an era when the competition was stronger than ever before. The Tour is only getting more competitive, and the same criteria will be applied when Tiger completes his career. The equipment difference will not be a major issue, nor the fact that the courses have changed considerably from Bobby Jones's heyday, to Nicklaus's, to the present day. If the USGA leads on the techonology proliferation issue, I believe that many will follow. I suspect that there is considerable disagreement within the group regarding the impact of technology on the game.