"We're at a point where driving distance has become a joke"

Add ESPN.com's Kevin Van Valkenburg to the list of subversive anti-capitalist buzzkillers out to protect the courses and game the USGA and R&A purport to love.

He's watched Dustin Johnson for two rounds at Oakmont and in no way is holding it against Johnson that he's overpowering the place in a way that demonstrates the loss of artistry. But like so many of us, Van Valkenburg has seen enough and no doubt was inspired by the recent USGA/R&A report suggesting we are not seeing what we are seeing.

That the USGA and The R&A seem unwilling to admit this isn't a problem is baffling.

We didn't get here overnight. The distance boom happened gradually. Golfers started going to the gym, hiring personal trainers and maximizing their fitness and flexibility, just like athletes in other sports. Equipment companies poured millions of dollars into research and design, knowing that increased distance is great for marketing, and now they sell drivers and balls designed by people who used to work for NASA. You can't blame the equipment companies; they are just working within the rules.

That's why the rules need to change.

Van Valkenburg goes on to remind the good folks at Augusta that they are our Obi Wan Kenobi.