PGA Tour, PGA of America Sing Fresh Tunes After Distance Report Release

The PGA of America had no comment on the USGA/R&A distance report opening the door to rules bifurcation, while the PGA Tour issued this statement, as reported by ESPN.com’s Bob Harig:

"Since 2003, we have been working closely with the USGA and The R&A to closely monitor distance, and this latest report is an expanded and thorough review of the topic, and others, which are all important to the game," the PGA Tour said in a statement. "The R&A and the USGA are our partners, and the PGA Tour will continue to collaborate with them, along with all of our other industry partners, on the next steps in this process.

"We believe the game is best served when all are working in a unified way, and we intend to continue to approach this issue in that manner. The PGA Tour is committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole without negatively impacting the Tour, its players or our fans' enjoyment of our sport."

While hardly endorsements, it’s noteworthy that both organizations have shifted from the recent stances of distance-is-everything, to saying nothing (PGA), or sounding quite respectful of the process ahead of us (PGA Tour).

Ultimately both organizations may revert to recent form and battle the governing bodies. But as has been noted here and elsewhere, their cases that distance helps sell golfers on taking up the game to the benefit of PGA of America teaching pros, or puts people in the seats at PGA Tour events, seems worthy of deeper consideration.