It's almost the end of the 2017 golf season, Tiger Woods returns to golf this week, and there's yet another argument about distance in golf. Yes, this is still an argument. People are hitting the ball too far, golf courses are becoming obsolete, and something has to be done about it. You golf fans know what I am taking about--the typical USGA discussions best left in the board room and not on the internet. Anyways, the issue of distance has come up yet again. USGA's Executive Director Mike Davis said that the increased distance is causing golf courses to expand, which, in his argument, makes golf more expensive. You can check out the full article here.

So we have to ask the question, is the golf ball actually going too far? For 99% of golfers, the answers are no. Most golfers do not have the precise enough contact, enough swing speed, or enough consistency for the distance increase to matter. However, if we're talking about tour pros, the answer completely changes. Everything is the polar opposite of a tour pro, s they have perfected almost every aspect of technical work they can to hit it as far as possible with unbelievable consistency. This leads to an increase in distance, especially your big hitters such as Dustin Johnson, Rory Mcilroy, Jason Day, Justin Thomas, etc., etc., the list goes on. Even Tiger Woods, who has been recovering from yet another surgery, said he's surprised the distance he's getting nowadays.

There are multiple reasons for this. The advance of technology in golf equipment, especially in the golf ball, has players hitting it further than ever. Combine that along with improved fitness regiments, diets, and advanced and more improved swing instruction, and players are stronger, faster, and better prepared for the professional rank than ever. So what is the solution for the added distance that will affect the tour pros where they will not make golf courses obsolete, while the amateur can still enjoy the same game the tour players play? Easy--bifurcation, or two sets of rules for a sport for amateurs and professionals.

Basketball does this with the 3 point line and defensive 3-second violations; baseball does it with aluminum and wooden bats, and golf can do it too. The easiest solution? Rolling back the golf ball without changing the technology. Making the golf ball fly 5% less can ensure that your typical golf courses will not be beat up by the long bombers, and they can still go low on them without causing a fit. Of course, this is just my opinion as a long time golfer.

Yes, golfers in the professional ranks are hitting it too far. It's time for bifurcation for golf. Let's make this game better for everyone.