The People Have Spoken About Technology

The responses are in, at least 4 or 5 anyway, AND the people say let the manufacturers take the technology where they will, just change the ball the pros use. Then we might see more shot makers win tournaments, and more grand old courses reclaim their rightful place. And the rest of us can still hope to hit a golf ball 300 yards at least once in our lives through the wonders of titanium and exotic poly-something cores.

The general opinion seems to be that the average joe's or jane's game is not affected that much by the new technology. If we hit the ball further, it means we are just hitting it further into the rough most of the time. Personally, the new technology allows me to hit a driver off-center and still get reasonable distance and end up no worse than the first cut. I know I'm playing better with my titanium humongous head thing than with the old persimmon even though my swing may be no better.

A lot of amateur golfers have to be buying this new stuff or the equipment manufacturers wouldn't keep making it. How many people do you play with that aren't using at least a 360 cc head on their driver. That size was almost unheard of 6 years ago. How long before we all have something over 400cc. Bigger is better and who amongst us can resist the urge to hit the ball a little further. Think of all your drives times 15 extra yards divided by $299 and it's not such a bad deal on that basis.

And for you who have resisted the temptation and still have your Spalding Executives, how long before you try your friend's new driver and discover you just gained 25 extra yards with nothing more than money. Will you be able to resist the temptation to buy then, especially when that 25 yards moves you up two clubs for your approach or allows you to clear the fairway bunker you've always had to layup to.

Let's be honest, let's see the hands of those who practice and spend more time on learning to work a ball versus trying to hit it further? I didn't think so. And probably for good reason. You get more bang for your buck on the average course with some extra yards as opposed to being able to fade or draw your approach shot. Not so on the great courses, but how many of us play on these regularly.