Ramifications Of An Acushnet Merger?

I know the site being down for some on parts of Friday and Saturday probably led to less posting, but I was surprised how few of commented on the news that a hedge fund sweetheart wants to break up Fortune Brands and potentially pawn off its Acushnet division to a Nike or Callaway.

It is upsetting to envision a world without uncomfortable, overpriced shoes that would fit beautifully in Pat Boone's closet. And what will Jim Nantz do for extra income? Frankly, the number of ways in which an Acushnet-emasculated world may just be too painful for most of you to come to grips with.

But there is also the matter of the golf ball, the governing bodies and the perceived fear of a lawsuit. Acushnet CEO Wally Uihlein has long had the USGA and R&A cowering in fear of a lawsuit over equipment regulation even though he's suggested his brand's loyal buyers would jump ship if that day ever arrived. Yet imagine if this hedge funder gets his way and Acushnet is folded into another manufacturing giant. Could this have ramifications for distance regulation questions? And how about the industry in general?