"They are experts at outlawing this, banning that, or limiting the performance of some article of golf equipment.

Jim Achenbach doesn't think the addition of two female members to Augusta National's membership will have much impact on growing the women's game. Instead, he seems to be using it as an opportunity to remind the governing bodies that the thing holding golf back is the chance to...shop!

For the good of the game, what golf needs is shorter, easier, more affordable courses so all beginners or neophytes (men, women, boys and girls) won't be permanently discouraged.

Oh Jim, why couldn't you have stopped there?

For the good of the game, what golf needs is ruling bodies that focus on how much fun the sport can be. The U.S. Golf Association and the R & A spend too much time in prohibitive mode. They are experts at outlawing this, banning that, or limiting the performance of some article of golf equipment.

We should be discussing golf here on planet earth, not in the rarified air of Augusta National, where members walk around the Masters with green jackets that further distinguish them from the masses of people who aren't quite so lucky.

We should be consumed with expanding golf on a grassroots level. We should be inventing new ways to enlarge the game. We should be discussing the real obstacles that exist within our wonderful, irreplaceable sport.

Cost, time and accessibility. Not buying new, de-regulated drivers!