[JerryG]

My opinion is that there are some things that have improved golfer's results and some things that have made the game harder.

The new drivers are improving golfer results. The hit it longer and their miss dispersion is tighter. But to combat that the courses are now longer and are more 'carry oriented.' Lot less letting the ball run up to the green or run down the fairway. They call it 'target golf', I all it 'carry golf.' And a lot more water in today's courses. Before 1985, how many times did you see an island green?

But on the other hand, the greens are generally in better shape so more putts *should* fall.

I firmly believe though that the Game Improvement irons and clubfitting has basically allowed golfers to just further incorporate their flaws and compensations into their swing.

I think the teaching is getting *better*, but still woefully behind. I think HK put us on the right path, but after his death it took roughly 20 years to start getting the ball rolling again.




3JACK

The constant watering of fairways and rough don't help the HI either. A wonderful Bobby Weed designed links style golf course near my home was built with the most wonderful rolling fairways, but there is so much irrigation the ball lands and stops. A course originally designed to have the game played more on the ground is now just like every other course in the area.
I am sure this is largely in response to the uneducated golfer demanding green grass everywhere they look. This superb golf course now plays like every other golf course in the area.
I guess that is actually a whole different matter.