MidwayJ

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.

      Stu1961 I tend to think course conditions now vs when Geiberger shot 59 are the big factor. Look at how manicured things are now vs, what courses looked like on Shells Wonderful world of golf. The greens…

      Go back to old time course conditions instead of messing with the ball

          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.

            sdandrea1

            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.

            Putting has always been very good to great at the pro level. JMO.

                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”.

                  Typhoon....... Let them play out unraked bunkers,

                  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. 🤣

                      Eguller 😂😂Yes I do and I was thinking of that as I was typing it!! Pros standing there with their hands on their hips like they were asked to solve a word problem.

                        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.)

                          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.

                                  Stu1961 Perhaps the fields only look deeper because the equipment has leveled the playing field?

                                  Well yes that's the point you've been making, and I'm not sure I agree. 🙂

                                    Spuzz 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)

                                    I understand that. I'm just skeptical that the distance increase by itself has made it more difficult for the stars of the game to shine brighter than the rest of the field.

                                        Stu1961 equipment has leveled the playing field?

                                        Against what?

                                        Are you referring to shotmaking, working the ball, getting around the golf course, etc?

                                          Stu1961 because the equipment has leveled the playing field?

                                          The fields have been leveled since Beem and Micheel won the PGA, back in '02 & '03. Let's not forget Craig Perks either, winning the Players. Absolute skill.

                                          😄

                                            MidwayJ
                                            No, I’m not saying it’s the ball by itself … but it probably is the most easily controlled variable to their end (as I see it - no insider knowledge).

                                            Stats (that I’m sure the USGA are aware of)

                                            Decade Scoring Avg. First Time Winner %
                                            1960s 275.0 16.82%
                                            1970s 274.3 18.33%
                                            1980s 273.1 19.95%
                                            1990s 271.4 19.64%
                                            2000s 269.9 22.95%
                                            2010s 269.8 28.43%

                                            I can’t find it … but I believe the average age of winners has dropped as well.

                                            So more tournaments are being won by more relatively “unknowns”. This, IMO only (as far as I know), is a primary driver in the rollback - not just overall scores. An occasional first time winner is fine, it makes for an interesting story - especially if they go on to win many more events in the future. But, take it to the extreme: 46 tournaments with 46 different winners - none of whom had ever won before, year after year after year …. Do you think this would be better or worse for golf/the PGA tour? I don’t. I think they want star power. They want an Arnold, Hogan, Jack, or Tiger. They want a “face” to the tour (or group of faces within an easily identifiable risen cream). That is what I believe this is all about, and the ball, at this time, is all they feel they can change to attempt a course reversal.