"The USGA and R&A have effectively fenced in the driver and golf ball, so that there is little or no more distance to be had from equipment under the current rules and regulations."

Mike Stachura makes a strong statistical case that the golf ball can't fly any longer and asks if distance at the elite level has been capped.

If no, then how much more is left out there? We went to those who seemingly would have the most to gain from statistical displays of technology's impact on golf to see what to make of the number: the equipment industry. Their opinions, curiously, were mixed. Most believe technology's role in the future is somewhat limited, thanks to the rules.

Specifically, Wally Uihlein, CEO and Chairman of the Acushnet Company, cited "the most activist 10-year period in the history of golf ball and golf club regulation," along with "the S-Curve of invention maturity" as the primary causes for flatlining tour driving distance.

"A very 'bold and rigid' line in the sand has been effectively drawn by the game's regulatory bodies," he wrote in an e-mail to GolfDigest.com. "The statistics since then speak for themselves. The USGA and R&A have effectively fenced in the driver and golf ball, so that there is little or no more distance to be had from equipment under the current rules and regulations."

So if we've drawn a line in the sand, and there is a belief among those designing, maintaining and operating courses that a slight rollback would ensure that skill is more important than equipment while making courses safer, more strategically interesting and maybe a bit faster to play, then why not rollback?

Because what's the point of drawing a line in the sand? Ah yes, to ensure skill, course safety, preservation of strategy and to help speed of play.

Oh faithful shoppers and suckers for $5 pelotas, please tell me why I'm wrong.