"There is a new level of excitement at Golf House that has evolved as the USGA has moved from a 'no' culture to a 'let's consider it' culture."

Sports Business Journal offers a "What I Like" interview with USGA CMO Barry Hyde. This caught my eye:

"There is a new level of excitement at Golf House that has evolved as the USGA has moved from a "no" culture to a "let's consider it" culture. The best example may be the Golf Digest U.S. Open Challenge which we launched with the publication and NBC this year and has already generated significant member growth, handicap awareness and a medium for us to discuss practical rules situations. This would never have had a chance in 2005."

Hey, I have a let's consider it item: doing something about grooves, distance gains and hey, while I'm throwing stuff out, the long putter too!

Oh, and the photo of Hyde? Standing in front of the Rolex clock outside Golf House. Pure coincidence!

(Yes, for those of you who haven't heard, they have a Rolex clock in Far Hills now.)

Comments

[JackM]

I couldn't but notice that, at his press conf yesterday. Phil twisted his left sleeve to make the Callaway logo unmissable, along with the Barclays and KPMG logos.

Why should the USGA be any different, Geoff? It is a business.

[jim beckner]

When was the "no" culture? I think I missed it. Didn't the USGA say "yes" to the changes in the ball, so now you can't work the ball but it goes 30% farther?

[B.I.G.]

Man that's tough...is it possible that the money Hyde is raising is forthe purposes you outline?

One of the coolest things in golf are the Rolex clocks put up at the British Open...wouldn't be the same without them.

[Traveler]

Geoff--the answer to "let's consider" doing something about equipment, et al, may be "well, we're considering bifurcation..."

[PWag]

I want one of those Rolex clocks. Where do I get it Geoff?