"Although golf's ruling bodies should constantly look at every aspect of the game, a ball that flies 20 yards less is not what the game needs right now."

Golf World Monday noted my report on the Canadian ball testing and issued this response to the news:

Among the notable comments: The ball flew approximately 20 yards shorter and was more difficult to shape; it seemed to impact distance more for big hitters and feel around the green was suspect. On the plus side, it required longer iron shots into greens (two to three clubs more) and a wider variety of shots around the greens.

Great, so they can't wait to see the data and results of the player surveys too!

Wait, what?

Although golf's ruling bodies should constantly look at every aspect of the game, a ball that flies 20 yards less is not what the game needs right now. Golf fans want power (seriously, is John Daly a draw if he hits it 275 yards?) and to watch pros do things they cannot.

Gee, and here I thought the USGA had already made up its mind!

Is John Daly a draw at any driving distance?

Plus, driving distance has remained essentially flat for six years. Finally, coming off a groove rule that appears to have no impact whatsoever, is now really the time to be studying another potential rollback?"

Does this mean ratings are flatlining and galleries thinning because driving distance is not on an upward trajectory?

Not to sound like a broken record: it is a miracle the game survived those dreary days when the long hitters only belted it 275. Or even 220! How could anyone have enjoyed those shorter walks from the tee to the ball, and rounds taking less time to play and a that dreary emphasis on shotmaking over power. I bet Vardon and Ray even talked about that as they whapped it around.

Ted R.: "I think this is the last time I can play this way, Harold. They'll have it so much better in the future with five mantel Urethane balls and rounds dragging out at least 90 minutes longer to accommodate the 300 yard drive."

Harry V: "So funny you said that. Just as I was laying that gem of a stymie on your ball at the last, I was thinking, some day they'll end this silly intrigue and get this game the way it was meant to be, so that fans can see proper drives of 330 yards, only after a proper session at a Carlsbad-based testing center!"