As GOLF Magazine went to press, the ball-test protocol was still in development. Because it is still in its infancy, the protocol doesn't seem to threaten most ball manufacturers to the same degree the club protocol does their club counterparts. But if you tell the average players that clubs or balls are being taken away from them, they'll have a problem. The USGA's test probably won't result in a recall of any ball currently on the market, but will restrict future balls from being hit farther distances. They feel there will be still be plenty of room for innovation.
People go to tournaments to see pros crush the ball.
Lengthening courses will not result in the destruction of golf. The danger in all of this is that we possibly will have to make a separate ball for Tour players. One of the game's beauties is that the average golfer has always been able to play the identical ball as the Tour pro. Our GOLFonline survey gives a pretty clear idea of your overall impressions. In fact, more than 80 percent are of the opinion that the USGA should continue to fulfill the role as the ruling body on equipment.