Melvyn,
I hear your message, and appreciate your stance.
It seems to me, though, that what you describe might only apply to true links golf, where the game was first played. For the record, I have never played golf in Scotland but will next year and look forward to it. But, when the game expanded to the U.S., the ground used for golf was vastly different from the land used to begin the game. With a few exceptions (Ballyneal, Bandon Dunes, and the very few courses where the ground is very firm), the ground here does not promote fast and firm golf. Here where I am, in the midwest U.S., our courses are never fast and firm.
My point is, no matter if I used a gutty and hickory or the modern equipment, I would want the ball to fly through the air. If it did not, I would hit it and watch the ball roll a few feet and stop. What a slog that would be!
So I think there is true links golf, and non-true links golf. Is one better than the other? I have no idea. But since fast and firm, seaside links ground is at a premium here, I need to play in Cincinnati, Ohio on a weekly basis or not play at all. Yes, the game I play is mainly through the air, because like I said if it wasn't, it would not be nearly as fun on these courses.
Some might say that is not true golf, while others might say it's just the game evolving in order to live in certain areas. I still need to and try to think my way around the golf course, tough as that might be with my vast lack of smarts. I still need to hit it, go find it, and hit it again, trying to hole it out in as few a strokes as possible. That is my definition of the game of golf, and it's the game I grew up with and the game I love.
Respectfully,
David