If you are looking for a little perspective on the USGA's stance on technology, there's no better place to look than Pat Jones' interview of architect Steve Smyers, chair of the USGA's Green Section committee.
What about the great courses that become obsolete as championship venues?
Well first, there are a lot of (classic) courses that people are convinced can’t be lengthened. They can. Merion is a perfect example.
Second, it amazes me that people blame everything that’s wrong with the game today on the golf ball and club technology. I don’t’ reject that’s been part of the problem, but there are other things that have changed us more. Number one, simply put, is the lawnmower. Maintenance technology and science has had a vastly bigger impact on the game and on courses than equipment. (PGA Tour player) Brandon Chambliss
Did he play first base for the Yankees? And a Bruin too! Go onnnnnn...
said not too long ago that old architecture and modern maintenance go together like oil and water. I agree. Finally, consider that driving distance on all tours worldwide has been stable since 2002. I believe technology from a distance perspective is now absolutely stable. The bigger unknown is a modern-day athlete. I have a 17-year old who’s really good. I see his talent level and think about elite players in the future and I marvel at where they might be 30 years ago. Tiger was the first who really trained…now they all do it.
When a lot of these great old courses were built in the ‘20s, the players had different statures. Even guys like Hogan were only 5’ 7” or so.
And he was such a short hitter!
The equipment then kind of dictated that smaller guys excelled. Our knowledge of the swing, the biomechanics and, of course, maintenance practices were totally different. Blaming all the golf world’s ills on clubs and balls is just silly.
Well, we can't blame improved maintenance!
Alright, give us the deal on grooves.
The new rule mainly says they can’t be used in most competitions beginning in 2014 but almost everyone can continue to use the old grooves until 2024. Here’s the thing: at a lower height of cut in the rough, everyone can find their ball better and most everyone will have an ability to hit it out. For an elite player, it offers the possibility for a flyer. It’s good for the average player, but they don’t put the club speed on it to have a flyer. The elite player does. The rule change is good for the whole spectrum of golfers.
Well perhaps a rule change on the ball would be good for the whole spectrum of golfers too? Open minds, people!