Ball Bifurcation: Why Care? Watch a PGA Tour event on any given weekend and you are sure to become stupefied at some point in the broadcast after witnessing players drive a 385-yard par 4. In mid-March, two of the most powerful governing bodies in golf (the USGA and R&A) announced their intention to roll back the golf ball for elite competitions to try and address these ridiculous distances off the tee. The basic idea is that, come 2026, the pros (in competitions which agree to this change) would use a different ball and – in essence – play by a different set of golf ball rules than the rest of us. Why? Because some people (i.e. those in charge) feel that today’s balls allow pros to make a mockery of many modern courses. For the rest of us, these advancements in golf ball technology have made the game more fun and accessible. So, while this announcement does not concern the average golfer, what this news item sparked for me was the broader question of the role which technology plays in our lives. From the ubiquitous use of our smartphones and tablets to asking Siri our burning questions and getting answers immediately, technology for the most part has made life easier – saving us time and making us more efficient. But these advancements also sometimes come at a cost. For example, my wife and I recently leased a new car and noticed that the operator’s manual was triple the size of the previous model’s. This was due mainly to all of the technological advancements and computer parts in these new cars that sure are cool but, if they break down, get ready to empty your wallet. I digress. Back to the golf ball rollback and why it matters. When it comes to golf advancements, for the average player like you or me, these innovations are great news. Starting with those Scots, golf balls were originally made of goose feathers, wrapped in bull’s hide. Gutta percha (made with gutta percha gum boiled and shaped into balls) replaced the feather balls in the mid-19th century. Just like engineering and the science behind skis have made that sport easier for the first-timer, so too have advancements in golf ball and club technology. Today, the science and chemistry that go into designing a golf ball are extensive. Teams of engineers spend years studying and researching how to manufacture a better ball and are constantly looking at ways to improve these flying spheres. The bottom line is this: when choosing what ball to use off the tee this year, it is important to do your homework. Don’t just pick a ball that promises more distance, as these often require you to have a high swing speed to hit the ball farther. Instead, pick a 2- or 3-piece, low-compression ball that is also low spinning. What are you waiting for? Stop reading my ramblings, get off of the couch and hit the links. Your body and your mind are sure to thank you. And, while you are at it, don’t forget to thank the Scots – past and present – who understood the importance of this sport. Golf CSANews | SPRING 2023 | 39
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