Alfie,
I recently finished "The Grand Slam" by Mark Frost, an excellent read about Bobby Jones and his successful quest for the four majors in 1930. Among the many things I found interesting in the book is just how often Bobby hit 300+ yard drives with his hickory shafted driver and a mush ball.
My primary point is that distance is a legitimate issue but for only a tiny percentage of the golfing population. Mr. Ogilvy's perspectives are from that standpoint and the remedies he suggests may not be what is in the much wider "best interests" of the game.
I don't know how many golfers you encounter who say, "Alfie, I hit it so damn far and straight that golf is no longer a challenge or much fun to play". Quite the opposite, most of us are trying to get that last yard out of our 85 mph swings, and hopefully find our ball where we can hit it again.
Strategy? Unless you are talking about bumping the ball on the ground with your putter 75 yards, how many 18 handicappers play the carom off the right side of the fairway to gain a more advantageous line to a tucked pin? Please, we aim between the trees (gorse in your case) and hope for the best.
Firm up the greens, something that is much easier said than done in places where sand is not the primary material, and the average Joe will be chipping and putting all day long.
There is not a solution to the technology/distance problem if we don't accept that the game played by the pros and tournament amateurs is vastly different than what the vast majority of golfers play. To the extent that the "best interests" of the game are tied to it remaining a participatory sport, I don't think we can look at golf like Mr. Ogilvy seems to.
Bifurcation is the only solution that I think is viable. We already play entirely different golf courses. With all the temporary immovable obstructions at tournament sites, we effectively play by different rules. What is wrong with different ball and equipment rules as is common in other sports? Purity of the sport? I think that ship has probably sailed some time ago.
Another thing that would greatly help is if people would swallow their pride and play the set of tees that is most suited for their game. Just because there is another set further back doesn't mean we have to go there. Under most circumstances not involving important competitions, I still don't understand why even within the same group, everybody has to play from the same set of tees.
As to being old, it is all relative and situational. Today I am feeling older than usual, and less idealistic.
Regarding politicians, they all must pass a reasonableness test with me. The one I was referring to, sarcastically I might add, is none other than Senator Clinton. I've sworn off politics, so I must not digress.
Cheers!