Fast Train Going Nowhere
Sunday, June 19, 2005 at 09:13 AM On the Saturday telecast, NBC looked at the USGA’s cutting edge research into technology impacting the game. Dick Rugge likened the ball to a train that has stopped at many stations, and said “we think we’ve stopped it in the right station right now.” David Fay made sure to let us know that we’re 2 1/2 years into this research project and that things haven’t changed. He also reminded us that 2002 is the “benchmark,” because the USGA and R&A came out with their joint statement of philosophy then, and basically said that was the point they drew the line.
But here’s my question: why did they draw the line there BEFORE embarking on their research project?
Johnny Miller uttered a few truly ridiculous remarks after the feature aired. He insisted that someone in the field using “old 70s equipment” would be 2 under par right now. And then, repeated twice, “the scoring has not changed that much.”
No Johnny, just the courses. Watching leaders at Pinehurst approaching some of the hole locations from ideal angles out of rough is just sad to watch. But I guess that school of design is not up Johnny's alley.
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