Just a week after the USGA laid out its path to bifurcation, the PGA of America announced its intentions to undo the bifurcation that already exists. Proof, perhaps, that there’s nothing like a sibling rivalry to inspire change in a sport that otherwise evolves at a lethargic pace.
The PGA of America and USGA have a unique relationship. Both are major players among golf organizations in the United States, and both operate one of golf’s four major championships. Neither, however, are the most recognizable golf organization in the country. That distinction, for better or worse, belongs to the PGA Tour, leaving the USGA and PGA fighting for the leftovers.
The USGA stole the golf headlines in early February with its joint announcement with the R&A that it may soon make a local rule available that would "specify the use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distance.” In other words, bifurcation.
The announcement intensified the debate over whether or not 20-handicappers should play by the same equipment rules as the world’s best players. But the PGA of America interrupted that debate and kindly directed us to hold its beer, announcing it will allow the use of rangefinders and GPS devices during its major championships, most notably the PGA Championship. A power move to remind us that the game already is bifurcated? These devices are currently allowed and widely used at every level of the game with the exception of top professional tours which, ironically, employ a local rule to prohibit them.
PGA of America President Jim Richerson mentioned the move is in an effort to speed up play, saying, “We’re always interested in methods that may help improve the flow of play during our championships.”
Richerson’s reasoning perhaps would have been more believable had the PGA of America acted 10 years ago, and if you’re not buying it, you’re not alone. PGA Tour veteran Byeong Hun An, AKA Ben An, replied “Where is f**k no?” to a twitter poll asking if the move will speed up play. PGA Tour caddie Brent Henley gave his twitter audience deeper insight as to why the use of rangefinders won’t help the pace of play.
“Rangefinders will not speed up play at a PGA TOUR event. Caddies will be lasering every tree, bush, bunker, rake, and flag. Plus, they will be double-checking their laser numbers by walking the yardages. Nothing worse than a laser with a weak battery! You get some funky numbers.”
Time will tell, no pun intended, if the move will impact pace of play. Until then, let’s take a sip of that beer and watch the sibling rivalry heat up.
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