NY Times On Technology

Bill Pennington writes a front page New York Times story (reg. required) on how hi-tech equipment isn’t helping golfers score any better. My initial impression of the story was a good one, however, reader Blue Blazer set me straight (as usual). The story is just not front page NY Times worthy. Even a Fort Worth Light and Shopper editor might have asked a few questions about why Pennington tries to equate PGA Tour golf with everyday golf.

“On the PGA Tour this year, the average score of players has risen, by 0.28 strokes, compared with the average 10 years ago.”

Accompanying the story is a graph showing that scores have remained consistent over the last ten years. So this year’s rise just might have something to do with the horrid weather or fairway widths at 25 yards or holes cut 4 feet from the fringe. Nor is it clear what Tour scoring has to do with the premise of the piece, which is the relationship between average golfer scoring and high-priced equipment.

The story points out that the average handicap has only dropped a half-stroke in the last five years, but he doesn’t point out that there’s been a 1.5 average drop over the last 10. Another curious portion of the piece involves comments from Rick Martino, the director of instruction for the P.G.A. of America, who suggested that three factors had influenced the lack of change in average scoring, which actually has changed.

"The golf courses are much harder than 20 years ago - longer, more bunkers, more water," he said. "Also, the average age of the average golfer has gone up considerably because people are living longer and baby boomers are retiring and taking up golf. But these golfers are less fit and less accomplished at the game. And, there are more golfers who play fewer rounds per year. If you only play two to seven times a year, what's your average score going to be?"

Another overall message of the story is that instruction hasn’t done much to help golfers either because no one wants to talk about the short game. Oh and “what of the PGA pro? Why isn't his score declining?”

Pennington writes, “Unquestionably, most courses on the professional tours are longer, and greens are mowed to be faster.” Oy. How about 400 inches of rain this year?

Overall, it’s refreshing to read something not blatantly celebrating consumerism and proclaiming the USGA evil for daring to look at the effects of equipment deregulation, but it would be nice to see a front page New York Times story with a little more clarity and context.