Typhoon
I’m guessing the reason the scoring average has not plummeted significantly, is because putting is the great equalizer. What has changed drastically are the clubs used to arrive at the green, and the type of shots/skill needed. It’s not about scoring.
As for course records - you do realize that during the entire history of golf prior to 1990, there was one sub 60 round during a professional round. Since then … 36. Players that much better? Or has equipment made the game easier to allow these (several from players I’ve never heard of).
USGA/R&A Distance Report
Stu1961 golf prior to 1990, there was one sub 60 round during a professional round. Since then … 36
Don’t forget the 2 58s…... And, the ladies 59.
Scoring records will be broken. It’s the winning records that are hard to break because they are against their peers. There are lots of factors that have made the game easier to play. A good thing ? Opinions vary. 
Eguller
Lol, I included those!
Winning records have indeed been more difficult to break. It’s harder for the cream to rise when equipment has leveled the playing fields to the point where anyone can get hot and win. That, I think, is exactly what the USGA does not want. They want two or three players, a rivalry, competing regularly. Star power! Lucky for the PGA, there may only be two or three players left after LIV defections 
7 days later
Stu1961 It’s harder for the cream to rise when equipment has leveled the playing fields to the point where anyone can get hot and win.
Maybe the game of golf is just attracting more good athletes than it used to (money), and the depth of the field is simply better in terms of skill level. Equipment is no doubt a factor but I'm skeptical that it's even 50% responsible for "leveling the playing field." If the USGA eventually dials the distance of the ball way back, it might not have as much of an impact as they think.
MidwayJ Maybe the game of golf is just attracting more good athletes than it used to (money), and the depth of the field is simply better in terms of skill level
Watch a few old Shell sponsored TV events and see how fit the "stars" are.
It's not even close to today's guys.
Having said that, the ball is the biggest reason there was a huge jump in distance (around year 2000, coinciding with the ProV acceptance on tour) but since that initial leap, there hasn't been a big jump in distance, just a huge increase in how many guys hit it over 300 yards now.
Just a Spuzzervation.
Will we ever know how much they think it will? Their own stats tell them that 5% is not going to bring them back to 1990 distances (if that is even what/when they wanted). I have a stronger suspicion that the 5% was simply the figure they felt would be most palatable at this time. They haven’t closed the door on additional measures … or even additional distance restrictions.
As for money attracting better athletes … maybe? Though money is also a two edged sword as it might cramp motivation. Note: There was just an article out, last month, listing sixteen players who have reached the $10 million career earnings level without a single victory. Not bad.
And, as to depth of fields … well, that’s an unsolvable chicken-or-the-egg type question. Perhaps the fields only look deeper because the equipment has leveled the playing field? The only way to truly find out … is to put the cat back in the bag, and right now, as their plans stand, it appears to be only about half way in.
Typhoon
I agree about course conditions -- the roll they get in the fairways is unbelievable. We had mostly frozen fairways yesterday in NY and we still didn't see the 40 yards of run out they often get on tour. Fairways are tight and firm on tour -- they're like the greens I grew up playing.
- Edited
It’s funny that they want to show these beautifully manicured places now. I know back then we had wooden heads, balata balls. But we also had guys out there smoking cigarettes and still drunk from the night before. Nobody ever thought of a weight room. I’d rather see them try dialing back the course conditions first. Have them play the same shit assed conditions we play in. Let them play out unraked bunkers, lumpy greens, crabgrass and weed infested fairways. They’ll still play well, just not “as well”.
Eguller LOL.... do you remember the uprising and crying when Nicklaus did furrowed bunkers with special rakes
at the Memorial ? The Pros went berserk and lost their minds.
No player should hit a poor shot and want their ball to end up in a bunker, as happens at the moment - in most cases, it's an easier shot than a chip or pitch from around the green (or an approach shot from the rough) because the sand is consistent and smooth. Bunkers are hazards, and there should be a penalty for hitting into one.
(Part of this is course design, though - fairway bunkers with minimal lips that allow the player to go for the green with their next shot aren't really hazards.)
Spoiled brats. 
- Edited
Eguller If you played pre ‘99 in the balata, slower course and smaller driver era, you understand how much the balance of the game has changed from more of a skills contest to a power/entertainment show.
Yeah, for the top 1% of golfers. The other 99% have always struggled with the game no matter what era.
The USGA should just admit that they don’t give a shit about the (99%) weekend warrior.
Again, at the elite level of professional golf the longest hitters will still be the longest hitters no matter what ball they play.
It’s beyond arrogance toying with a problem that does not exist for all but 1% of golfers. If they were serious they’d go back to balata balls and wooden head drivers.
But no, they flex their out of touch arrogant authority and act like this is going to save the game. Hint you arrogant assholes.
Because of a pandemic the game of golf reversed course and instead of a steady decline it’s risen from that decline and is seeing unprecedented growth.
Yeah, but still we want to kick a gift horse in the mouth just the same. How else do we remain relevant.
Sneakylong The joke is on them. At the end of every round, at the end of every tournament, the lowest score will still be at the top.
I'll brag about my 91, when everyone else is struggling to break 100. And Pros will cash their checks the same as they do now.
If they really want to make a diff in the game, make it where the Pros can/have to play, in under 4 hours!!
Instead, they are adding time to the TV game.
So, this must be a change the sponsors want/need. More commercial time.
