If we look at the performance of the best players in the world (the PGA Tour) we find some interesting and thought provoking facts based on very reliable data which have been collected over the last twenty-five years or in some cases as far back as 1968.

These data are collected at each tournament site through out the year for every golfer (generally about 150 golfers at each site.) The number of sites varies but there are approximately 40 each year. Data is taken on every par four and par five hole with some data not taken on the threes. Driving distance data is generally taken on only two holes where the terrain is generally flat and in opposite directions to counteract the effect of any wind. Because of the volume of data collected, the noise due to the variance in the data-takers and the associated judgment calls, is minimized. The accuracy of this data has become very good in the last several years since electronic measurement devices have been used to make the measurements. The information presented below is being cited as it involves some of the more important variables, which are considered to be a measure of the effect that equipment (technology) has or may have on the game.

GIR

The Average of the Greens in Regulation (GIR) (64.9% in 2005) shows an improvement of about 0.8% over the last 25 years.

Accuracy

The Accuracy (fairways hit) (62.8% in 2005) has improved o.4% over the last 25 years. This reached its peak in 1998 of nearly 70 %. Probably due to more forgiving drivers, with most of this happening from 1980 to 1995. This has fallen by 7 % in the last seven years almost back to the statistic in 1980. An explanation is probably that fairways have been a little more restrictive, but the main cause is probably because golfers are hitting the ball about 25 yards longer than they were in 1995 and any tendency to fly off line is exaggerated.

Putts per Round

The average number of Putts per Round, (29.18 in 2005) has changed downward 0.62 strokes in the last twenty-five years. This may be due to the fact that golfers are getting closer to the hole on their approach shots or that they are becoming better putters. The actual reason has not been determined. However, it is known that the green surfaces have improved significantly over the last twenty years; they have also become a little faster.

Driving Distance

It should not be unexpected that driving distance has improved. This has changed from 255.0 yards (the average on the Tour in 1968) to 265 yards in 1995 and recently to 288.6 yards in 2005, which is a 33.6 yard increase in 37 years. 23.6 of these yards (70.2% of the increase) within the last ten years.

The fact that the average driving distance increased at a rate of only 1.1 feet per year from 1968 to 1995 is relatively small when we compare this to comparable improvements in other sports over the same period. Using this as a base rate, the sudden jump to 8.2 feet per year, from 1995 to 2003 does require explanation. It is evident that this has leveled off in the last three years but the reason for the sudden increase is the introduction of the Titanium drivers with enhanced rebound velocity "Spring Like Effect" (SLE) were introduced and the multi-layered balls also became of age for the Tour player. This synergy of ball and club is the explanation. Neither the ball nor the club with its own improved performance taken separately would account for this improvement in distance.

This synergistic effect has allowed the player to reach the optimum launch conditions for a particular ball speed and thus achieve maximum distance. The laws of physics limiting further increases of any significance are now starting to come into effect.

Scoring Average

The improvement in scoring is due to many things such as, changes in equipment, player physique, physical skill, mental stability as well as some changes in golf course conditioning. This, however, is not anything of any consequence when it comes to a review of the numbers. Course set-up has changed a little and will have to change if we want to reward something other than raw distance.

It is anticipated that the concerns about distance will subside after more than one hundred years of expressed concern that the game will be spoiled if something is not done. The reason for this eventual calm is the equipment (even the magic in golf equipment) will never violate the laws of physics which are now knocking on the door with regard to distance. The only improvements we will see will be because golfers are able to increase their head speeds, something we have been trying to do for ages but without much success.

It is anticipated that no more that 4-5 yards will be added to the average driving distance over the next decade. And this will be a result of optimized launch conditions and will have nothing to do with improvements in equipment just better matching it more effectively to the golfer using it. Scoring averages may improve but accuracy has to improve for this to change.

The bottom line is the game at the Tour level seems to be under control, it is just the rest of us who need some help.