I think the debate on equipment is actually misleading. The equipment is only a means to the end, it is not the game. However it has been pushed to the forefront because the blatant increase in distance that technology has given the ball/clubs. At no time in the history of the game has a line been drawn in the sand stating that ball/club distance development work should cease. That technology will in future be used to improve quality and life expectance of the equipment but not distance.
This simple but important step (IMHO) would have given us more of the great Holes of the past, allowed us to really compare our game to our past Heroes. But no the need to be the best, the greatest prevails, but alas not using the tools of past winners or Champions but using the latest in what technology can give which has greatly increased the distance the ball can travel. Sorry but that’s no test, no possible comparison with the past Champions or come to that your own score say some 20 years ago. Consistency shot dead but to what gain, what advantage? So we can sink a ball in less shots, wow, but who actually generated that score, was it you through improved skill levels or simply down to a little improvement in one’s skill but great advancement in ball/club technology.
Is that the way to play golf, start with the knowledge that your clubs have improved so you should automatically reduce your score, sorry for this guy that is nothing more that blatant cheating, that is the worst cheating of all, conning yourself.
No there is nothing wrong in using any equipment when playing golf, certainly if just knocking about on the course – although I cannot understand why any self-respecting golfer would, nor do I see the purpose of doing so. But if the idea was to play another, to base the game on the lowest score then surely honour would preclude from claiming victory or a reduced handicap because of your new equipment, certainly if you know it’s through technology that your score has been reduced. I just do not see the sense of achievement as you did not achieve it unaided by modern technology.
So IMHO equipment matters in that it needs to offer golfers a consistency and not a winning edge. The game is no longer a fledgling sport with many small club makers trying to produce workable clubs. We have a defined sets. We just need consistency and longevity in the design and life of these clubs/balls.
Alas I fear that’s a dream as our Governing body is no match for the equipment companies, even if they were interested. It’s all about money and human nature. While there are individuals out there that see nothing wrong in using technology to enhance their handicap or produce victory, the game will continue its slow path to ceasing to be a game based upon skill, thought, planning/navigating a course with all its natural and manmade hazards but continue its path to be a glorified Pitch and Putt game of 8-10,000 yards. Soon we may see airlines jargon re naming the game to that of Puddle-Jumping and strategy will soon be eclipsed by simple distance.
Penal, strategic, strategy, the heart and spirit of the game for centuries being discarded thanks to a moments thrill of hitting a long shot. Seems we are mirroring the decline of our modern society.
The equipment is indeed only a means to the end. It is not the game of golf. You grip a club, however your brain plays the game but for how much longer?
Melvyn