"I think the rules could be written to allow for it and still not be bifurcation."

Mike Stachura reports that John Solheim has now patented his original proposal to rate three types of balls with an accompanying handicap calculation system.

"The tone coming from the USGA and R&A in recent years suggests another significant equipment rollback may not be far away," said Solheim in a press release issued by Ping. Solheim applied for the patent in June of 2011. "We've already seen it with the groove rule and the proposed rule banning anchoring. We continue to hear whispers of more changes. But as we're also reading on the proposed anchoring ban, many directly involved in the game favor more equipment options, not fewer. I'm looking for ways to keep the game enjoyable for every level of golfer."

On its face, the proposal may seem silly, but the rationale is pretty clever in a sport where the idea of bifurcating the rules is opposed by most.

"What we would hope to do is to get people thinking about the issues, open their eyes a little bit because we need to find ways to keep people in the game longer," he said, indicating he was not in favor of multiple sets of rules. "I think the rules could be written to allow for it and still not be bifurcation."