Whew!? There Won't Be Any 59s At Torrey Pines

We've been enjoying much-needed rains here in Southern California, much to the chagrin of media members hoping to get a crack at Riviera Monday. Tiger Woods will be there to kick of his foundation's operation of the Genesis Open and hoped-for rejuvenation of a historic PGA Tour stop.

Woods then heads to San Diego for the Farmers Insurance Open where rough has been high in recent years, and, according to this John Strege item at GolfDigest.com, is on steroids again. Mowers hit the thick stuff last Thursday but almost surely haven't been able to hit the overseeded ryegrass.

While I'm no fan of rough like that and fear it'll send some of the starpower home early, the tall thick stuff may arrive at a good time. Though I sit back with popcorn and a Coke watching the lamenting of 59s due to unregulated equipment, the conversation invariably misses some key points in the distance debate. Which is why this week's Torrey Pines reset, normally something to lament on Rees Jones' lamentable anti-strategic golf renovation, may land at the right time.

Not that I ever discourage questioning how the USGA and R&A have let this happen, but for this to be constructive to all, we have to offer solutions instead of bemoaning displays of skill.

We know this:

--Instruction and Trackman have made players better at repeating swings, repairing flaws and fitting equipment.

--Conditioning of courses has never been better, impacting scoring (though the suggestion that tighter mowing heights leads to more roll was nicely debunked).

--Equipment has never been better made or more effective for all skill levels, giving the players instruments to attack courses like never before.

--Course setup has become more fluid, democratic and interesting in recent years, leading to some thrilling moments and less par-protection.

--Players and caddies have rangefinders and other tools to better understand courses.

A 59 is still a magical score, especially on a par-72 course (13 birdies by Hadwin!). Lamenting these rounds hurts the cause of those pushing for a competition ball since a 59 is an incredible athletic achievement aided by human progress on many fronts.

Loyal longtime readers who know how long I've been venting about this know that the only genuine solution is a ball that better fits select courses. Because the governing bodies are not going to tell manufacturers to stop innovating and even when they do, the companies are too good at what they do. Players are not going to get less skilled and superintendents, caddies and instructors are not going to be getting worse at their jobs.

A ball that simply allows course architecture to ask a few more questions of players--in the form of longer approach shots to greens and more drivers off the tees--would do wonders for the pro game. Furthermore, I suspect elite players would actually enjoy employing such a ball at select classics--assuming they are real competitors and not placing themselves above the game. Such an introduction should also usher in a larger ball that goes longer and helps beginning and senior players enjoy the game more.

I point this out because harvesting rough, while helping to tamp down the current infighting and grousing over great achievements, does little to advance the best long term cause. Keep that in mind this week!