PGA Distance Survey Is In And The Results Will Not Shock!

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The PGA of America's survey on distance is in and they are against a rollback that has not been proposed. The votes mirror the PGA board's position, as outlined prior to the vote by PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua.

As the process makes taking the results seriously almost impossible, you do have to wonder about all of the PGA members who voted about the joys of distance as their dues are used to fund aggressive grow-the-game campaigns. You know, campaigns deemed necessary because the technology era has not grown the game and the PGA of America is pursuing a long list of growth initiatives.

Here is the letter from current PGA President Paul Levy (of no actual golf facility) telling the members how they voted and how the PGA board will protect their wishes:

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Taylor Made CEO: "We stand with Titleist."

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It's fascinating on several fronts to hear that the CEO of Taylor Made is anti-bifurcation, oddly joining him with Titleist and...by the people he's imploring not to bifurcate: the anti-bifurcation USGA and R&A.

The potential for splitting the rules or playing tour-only specs prompted Taylor Made's David Abeles to issue a statement both reinforcing the importance of the rules while declaring that they should not change. 

"The TaylorMade Golf Company opposes any potential roll back of product performance or bifurcation of the rules in any form as we believe these movements will be detrimental to the game at every level," Abeles said. "Any separation from the rules or any step backward in performance would be disadvantageous to the growth of the game."

The full statement:

A Thermal Exhaust Port In The PGA Of America's Distance Poll?

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In his daily newsletter, The Fried Egg's Andy Johnson points out questions about the PGA of America's distance survey methodology.

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You may recall that the organization took a stand against rolling back the distance of the golf ball, specifically citing the ball and taking a stance against a position that had not been officially suggested by the USGA and R&A's distance report issued on Monday.

Besides taking a premature stand before polling its membership for views from the trenches, the poll itself struck many as odd. Including Johnson, who writes in his daily newsletter of CEO Pete Bevacqua's organizational stance and subsequent polling:

Perhaps in an effort to swiftly bolster his quick statement, the PGA solicited the opinion of its members via a "survey" sent via email to its 29,000 members. The "survey" looks like it was put together by a high school intern and shuns virtually any semblance of scientific poll-taking. The "survey" can be completed by anyone with the link, and (at least to outward appearances) responses can be submitted as many times as one likes. It is, by any definition, completely worthless.
Since the PGA of America has forfeited any pretense of fairness in this "survey," go ahead and vote yourself! You, non-PGA professional, can express your voice by voting here at the link.

I asked the PGA of America for an explanation and here is the response:

The questions were formulated with the help of the National Golf Foundation.  Only PGA member votes are recorded and only their first time accessing the poll counts.  There will be no multiple votes counted by any single PGA member and, in addition, no non-PGA member votes are recorded in any manner.

While that is comforting, it seems odd that there were no cookies telling me I had already voted or telling me I'm not a PGA of America member and therefore the vote will not count. 

This vulnerability in the thermal exhaust port is all probably a moot point given that the PGA of America board has already decided where it stands. 

Instagram Roundup: Tiger's Swing Looks Tight, India's Deep Packed Bunker, Jimmy Walker's USGA Plea And Na Touts A Tour-Only Pro V1

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As Tiger Woods prepares for his first Valspar, his swing looks just that much more tighter and impressive, but as Dan Kilbridge reports, Wednesday's pro-am round did suggest (6 of 18 greens) that Woods is still adjusting to Innisbrook's tough approach shots. 

The Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf And Country Club features a bunker getting a lot of attention this week. 

🙏🏼 📷 @plarrazabal #HIO2018

A post shared by European Tour (@europeantour) on

Jimmy Walker is making a plea to the USGA on behalf of everyday golfers...

Kevin Na posted his improvement in ball speed with a new Pro V 1x ball not available to the public but on the conforming list. Presumably, if all comments over the last week are to be believed, this will not amount to more distance for him. The post is no longer on Na's account.

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If The Onion Were To Take On The Technology Debate...

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Alex Miceli has beat them to it with this for the MorningRead.com, only, sadly, he actually sees a distance rollback imploding the entire business model of golf. 

Is limiting distance by rolling back the ball or any other method worth putting the millions of dollars in charitable contributions in jeopardy? An argument, which Bjorn was making, could force golf’s manufacturers out of supporting professional and amateur golf, leaving little or no backing.

That's right, they could put their money into cricketers. Or Federer! 

Most amateurs would be uninterested in giving up distance, so equipment manufacturers likely would limit their TV, digital and print advertising if Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and the game’s most visible stars would be forced to play other, inferior equipment.

A loss of that advertising, promotion and support by the equipment companies ultimately would challenge the PGA Tour’s system of rights fees by the TV networks and cable outlets as a large part of the advertising inventory would be available if the equipment manufacturers were to flee.

80% of a PGA Tour event ad inventory is purchased by the event sponsors. The other 20% props the whole things up? Interesting theory!

If golf lost those advertisers, it would be difficult to fill the void, forcing the cost of advertising inventory down and ultimately pushing rights fees lower.
With the PGA Tour and its tournaments responsible for $180 million in charitable contributions in 2017 alone, is it conceivable to put such largess in peril?

How on earth did golf's participation levels peak when we were hitting persimmons and steel? Shoot, how did the planet earth survive that dark time when 280 yards led the tour in driving distance. It's minor miracle.

The notion that pro golf exists as a means to move golf equipment product would not portend well if true. Mercifully, at least as of now, people still watch to be entertained, not to be told what to buy. They have the Home Shopping Network for that. 

Titleist Rebuttal To The Governing Bodies: Distance Is Flat

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It's always a fascinating thing to watch a company advertising more distance and then arguing against distance gains taking place. But I digress...

Noteworthy here is the CEO of Titleist making a more restrained argument than the PGA Tour Commissioner, and even a less misleading case than the PGA of America CEO in communicating his organization's likely stance on something not even proposed by the USGA and R&A.

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Wacky days!

For Immediate Release...and again, revel in the even-keeled tone used by Acushnet CEO David Maher, a nice change from Wally Uihlein's alarmest rhetoric. I don't agree with his points but Maher presents his rebuttal in a way suggesting he would be a productive voice at any distance discussions. 

Distance Study 2017: Equipment Regulations Remain Effective 

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (March 5, 2018) – As a proud stakeholder in the game, Acushnet Company is deeply committed to golf’s future health. Following today's publication of the 2017 Distance Report by the USGA and The R&A, it is important to ensure this topic is considered with balance and through a wide lens. 

"As a leader in the golf equipment industry, our team is conditioned to evaluate data to best understand contributing factors and root causes," said David Maher, CEO and President of Acushnet Company. "It is with this intent that we analyzed the 2017 Distance Report, and our findings continue to support the fact that equipment regulations have been effective. 

“A closer look into the numbers in the Report underscores the complexity of making any meaningful year-to-year comparisons,” continued Maher. “There were several contributing variables in 2017, including course selection and set-up, agronomical conditions and weather, which need to be considered when assessing the data." 

It's only been sixteen years since the Joint Statement. Twenty years before jumping to conclusions?

Below is a sampling of key findings from our research that impacted distance results in 2017: 

• At the 33 PGA Tour events conducted at the same venue in 2016 and 2017, where data was collected, the average driving distance increased +0.5 yards. At the eight events held at new venues in 2017, the average distance increased +8.0 yards. 

Imagine if there had not been a new Pro V1 flying new distances (as advertised) in 2017, there might have even been a dip in distance!

Oh, and about those major courses where the driving distances were longer: the driver was freely and regularly used at Erin Hills and Quail Hollow. Not much lay-up in those two courses. Last I heard, the golf ball, when hit with driver, goes longer than with a three-wood or iron.  

• Of these 33 PGA Tour events conducted at the same venue, 15 tournaments had a decline in average driving distance with one event flat to prior year. This highlights the year to year variability in distance. 

Don't make anything of those charts over many years where the lines start low on the left and rise to a higher spot on the right.

• The major championships conducted at new venues represented one-third of the total average driving distance gained in 2017: U.S. Open (Erin Hills vs. Oakmont +20.4 yards), Open Championship (Royal Birkdale vs. Royal Troon +8.1 yards) and PGA Championship (Quail Hollow vs. Baltusrol +7.0 yards). 

It's amazing what happens when a field of top players are free to hit driver off the tee instead of finding their play restricted by pinched landing areas.

  • The 2017 Masters average driving distance declined -0.4 yards. 

Take away the grainy fairway cut pushed down toward the tee and we'd actually get to see agronomy play a roll in distance averages. 

• Of the 25 Web.com graduates in 2016, 24 had shorter average driving distance on the 2017 PGA Tour, with an average decrease of -6.6 yards.  For the years 2015 to 2017, 74 of the 75 graduates had shorter average driving distance on the PGA Tour the following year. This can be attributed to course set-up. 

Yes, course setup may certainly play a roll in reducing the number of times players hit driver. 

“In any given year there are variables that impact distance, and any movement as in 2017 is not suddenly indicative of a harmful trend,” said Maher.

He's not wrong about 2017. It started long ago. 

“We continue to believe equipment innovation has benefitted golfers at all levels, and our analysis of the 2017 Distance Report affirms that the USGA and The R&A have effective regulations in place to ensure the game’s health and sustainability. We look forward to continued dialogue with the governing bodies and stakeholders as we seek to position the great game of golf for future success.” 

Wally, Wally, Wally...not even a technophobic media reference! You sure you picked the right guy?

The Two PGA's: Clemenza's Five Families Rule Sadly Coming To Fruition With Distance Report Reaction

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Monday March 5th, 2018 may end up being the day that the PGA Tour, PGA of America and various shills boxed the governing bodies and Masters into a distance solution that they'll hate. Only time will tell who wins a war as brazen as shooting The Don while he's patronizing a fruit stand.

But as Clemenza explained to Michael in The Godfather, apparently these silly wars are necessary ever ten years. 

I explain for Golfweek.com why the odd reactions by Pete Bevacqua and Jay Monahan were unproductive for golf governing peace. 

Pros Howl And Remind Us Why They Should Stick To Golfing Their Ball

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Bobby Jones reincarnated, they are not.

I warned you this authentic frontier gibberish was coming.  Of course, if all golf course changes made to accommodate changes in the sport were paid for out of their precious retirement stash, this howling would flip to wondering why nothing was done.

Pat Perez...affirming that SiriusXM will give just about anyone a show. 

Jimmy Walker is very fired up, citing Jack Nicklaus's regrettable 20% number and wants to take a pole.

Lucas Glover seems to acknowledge a problem but since the cat's out of the barn, no need to go look for it. Just let the coyotes do that thing. 

PGA Of America CEO: We're Against A Rollback Before The Rollback Was Proposed!

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The absurdity here is both evident and profoundly pathetic: PGA of America CEO issues a statement opposed to any kind of golf ball rollback when no such thing has yet been proposed in the latest distance report, and then declares his membership of 29,000 professionals will be polled with what sounds like a misleading question to validate the PGA of America's opposition to the rulemakers even considering any action.

I know these wars have to happen every ten years, but boy does this signal a conclusion before a solution was even suggested:

"Having just received the full report last evening, it is difficult for us at the PGA of America to provide meaningful comments on its content at this time.  However, given the recent industry discussions and media reports regarding a potential roll back of the golf ball for all players and/or a segment of elite players, our Board of Directors has discussed this topic at length.  Based on the information we have seen, we are highly skeptical that rolling back the golf ball in whole or part will be in the best interests of the sport and our collective efforts to grow the game.  Our nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals would be at the forefront of implementing this potential roll back, so we will be polling them this week to fully understand their perspective, especially on what it would mean for the vast majority of the golfers they serve. We look forward to offering our candid feedback to the USGA and R&A once we have collected that data and reviewed the full report."-Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Can't wait to see those poll questions.

Commish Monahan To Players: You Are Not Hitting The Ball Significantly Longer, But You Are Younger And Taller!

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PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan's email to all PGA Tour players assuring them that they just had a better than usual year. And hey, you're younger and taller too! 

Subject: USGA Distance Report
Dear TOUR Member,
Later this morning, the USGA and The R&A will be releasing an annual report on driving distance that reviews data from professional tours from the 2017 season.  Since 2003, we have been closely monitoring trends in driving distance, working with the USGA and The R&A; all involved wanted to ensure the broader PGA TOUR membership was made aware of the report and its findings in advance.
Among other things, the report shows the following:
- From 2003 to 2017, average driving distance on the PGA TOUR has increased by 2.3%, or a total of 6.6 yards.
- From 2016 to 2017, there was an increase of 2.5 yards in average driving distance.  While this may seem significant when taken in isolation, it has not been uncommon over the past 15 years to see significant gains or losses.  Since 2003, there have been three instances where a significant gain was recorded between years, and five instances where the average decreased.
- Since 2007, when we started monitoring launch conditions each week on TOUR, average club head speed has increased by 1.5 mph.  There is a strong correlation between club head speed and the total distance gains seen since 2003.  We believe this increase in club head speed is mostly attributable to a combination of factors, such as increased player athleticism and fitness, physical build of the player, enhancements in equipment fitting and the proliferation of launch-monitoring capabilities.  

Back to back redundancies. Impressive. 

It is interesting to note that since 2003, the average age of a TOUR member has gone down, and the average height has gone up.

No, that's not very interesting, Jay.

Having carefully reviewed the data, we do not believe the trends indicate a significant or abnormal increase in distance since 2003 or from 2016 to 2017. Rest assured, we will continue to collaborate and share data with the USGA and The R&A – along with other industry stakeholders – in monitoring these trends, as we have since 2003, and are hopeful our perspectives will align.  

So to recap: the leadership of the organization providing the data is taking a stance and hopes that "perspectives align" with the view that nothing has taken place to warrant action.

Kind of hard to trust the data when the boss makes it clear he wants it to skew one way, no? Almost makes you want to go back and look at the numbers since so many speak to major changes, just not the ones he refers to.

On this point, I have asked the USGA to attend our next PGA TOUR Player Advisory Council meeting during the week of the Wells Fargo Championship to share their perspective.
Sincerely,
Jay Monahan

USGA, R&A Need More Study, Now Working In The "Spirit" Of Their Line In The Sand

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Here is the distance report PDF from the USGA and R&A, followed below by the press release where two things stand out: they "remain committed to the spirit" of the Joint Statement of Principles (aka the 2002 line in the sand), which very bluntly stated any further significant increases would warrant action. "Significant" sailed long ago.

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The governing bodies also did their best Ray Guy impersonation on any immediate action, declaring another year of study because, you know, last year might have been an anomaly, we just aren't quite sure! 

The average distance gain across the seven worldwide tours was more than 3 yards since 2016.
As noted in previous annual reports, variability in driving distance of 4 or more yards from season to season on any one tour is not uncommon.

Funny how we found that four or more number. Mitzvah!

The full press release:

USGA and The R&A Release 2017 Distance Report
LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. AND ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
(March 5, 2018) 
The R&A and the USGA have completed the annual review of driving distance in golf, producing a research report that documents and evaluates important findings from the 2017 season. 
Introduced in 2015, the annual report examines driving distance data from seven of the major worldwide professional golf tours, based on nearly 300,000 drives per year. The data from studies of male and female amateur golfers is also included. 
The 2015 and 2016 editions of the distance report presented the increases in driving distance since 2003 as a slow creep of around 0.2 yards per year. The 2017 data shows a deviation from this trend. The average distance gain across the seven worldwide tours was more than 3 yards since 2016.
As noted in previous annual reports, variability in driving distance of 4 or more yards from season to season on any one tour is not uncommon. However, this level of increase across so many tours in a single season is unusual and concerning and requires closer inspection and monitoring to fully understand the causes and effects.
As the review of this issue progresses, the USGA and The R&A remain committed to the spirit of the 2002 Joint Statement of Principles which recognize that distance impacts many aspects of golf and that any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable. 
Increases in distance can contribute to demands for longer, tougher and more resource-intensive golf courses at all levels of the game. These trends can impact the costs to operate golf courses and put additional pressures on golf courses in their local environmental landscape. The effect of increasing distance on the balance between skill and technology is also a key consideration.  Maintaining this balance is paramount to preserving the integrity of golf.
Building on the extensive research we have undertaken in recent years, we will conduct a thoughtful conversation about the effects of distance prior to making any specific proposals. We remain open-minded and our absolute priority is to ensure that all key stakeholders are involved in an open and inclusive process, and that we move forward together in the best interests of golf at all levels. There is no fixed timetable, but we will commence this process immediately and endeavor to reach a conclusion as promptly as possible.
In conjunction with the publication of the 2017 distance research report, The R&A and USGA are carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of increased distance on both the playing and overall health of golf. 
The USGA and The R&A intend to consolidate previous work conducted by the two organizations, as well as others in the golf industry, regarding the effect of distance on the footprint and playing of the game, conduct new research on these same topics to augment the current state of knowledge of the issues, and, most importantly, in the coming months, engage with stakeholders throughout the golf industry to develop a comprehensive understanding of perspectives on distance. Additional information on this stakeholder engagement will be made available in due course.
Ultimately, The R&A and the USGA remain steadfastly committed to ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable future for golf.