Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2018 - 3

EDITOR'S
LE T T ER
Distance Debate
Should we put the genie back into the bottle?
T
From the
early 1990s
to present
day, the
average
driving
distance on
the PGA Tour
lengthened
30 yards.
he game's governing bodies, the
USGA and R&A, have been a
veritable information mill lately
communicating far-reaching changes to the
way we play and enjoy the game, including
new Rules, a new handicap system, an
" innovative broadcast experience, "
and
the eye-opening findings of a new driving
distance report-all of which will sooner or
later make their impact felt at the local level.
However, it was the driving distance report
that ignited the social media sphere. In an
informal Twitter poll, we found the results
evenly split between the " do somethings "
and the " do nothings " about the reported
yardage gains and the welfare of the game.
From the early 1990s to present day, the
average driving distance on the PGA Tour
lengthened 30 yards, from 260 to 290. Over a
similar period (1996 to 2017), even amateur
golfers experienced an average increase of
eight yards, with higher-handicappers (21+)
gaining 22 yards.
For the elite player, in addition to faster
clubhead speeds, launch specs have improved
in the last decade, suggesting both better
ball and club technology (higher launch
angles combined with lower spin rates) as
important contributing factors to the overall
driving gains. Thus, it is possible to buy a
longer, if not better, game.
In the appendix, the report acknowledges
that " progressive developments " in clubs and
balls through almost six centuries of golf is
a good thing for golfer performance and
enjoyment, but they still want to protect the
traditions of the game and ensure that skill is
the dominant element of success. They declare
that the ball should not fly farther than it does
today, and that any significant increase in hitting
distances at the elite level is " undesirable. "
Line drawn.
Also deemed undesirable is the prospect
of separate Rules for elite and recreational
golfers. The rules-makers reiterated their
stance on a single set of Rules for all players,
irrespective of ability. Which begs the question:
How do we put the genie back into the
bottle without affecting shorter hitters at all
levels, or without creating two sets of Rules?
In any case, skill still trumps technology
at my home course, which is sporty at
6,288 yards and last hosted a regular (not
junior or senior) state championship in
1991. I am sure the greybeards would not
welcome a rollback in technology just so
the flat bellies could once again tee it up in a
state championship.
Rolex and the USGA have been together
since a very successful peanut farmer held
office in the White House. In a March 15
announcement the two, along with Fox
Sports, promised " hours of continuous live
golf action as history unfolds " during the
eight USGA championships broadcast by
the network.
Exempt is the men's U.S. Open, which will
feature a final hour of golf drama unfettered
by commercials. The winner in this partnership
is the fan, says the USGA's Mike Davis.
W.P. Ryan, Editor-in-Chief
mngolf.org
Spring 2018 MINNESOTAGOLFER
3
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Spring 2018

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