Dear USGA: Stop Fixing Things That Aren’t Broken

Pros vs. Amateurs: Two Different Sports The guys explore how the rollback highlights a bigger truth: professional golf and amateur golf are practically different sports. Jeff explains how equipment, swing speed, and course setup create two completely separate realities. John doubles down on the idea that amateurs shouldn’t be governed by rules designed for the 0.01%. Jeff’s Equipment Talk & His Upcoming Par‑3 Outing Jeff shares his personal experience testing the new Titleist balls and how they behave in real‑world conditions. He also previews an upcoming round with an 8th‑grade golfer at a local par‑3 course — a reminder that golf is still about fun, learning, and good company. Who Should Govern What? The conversation shifts to the USGA’s role in the game. John argues that the USGA should focus on amateur golf — their actual domain — instead of influencing the professional game, which operates under entirely different conditions. Jeff agrees that pros and amateurs essentially play two different sports, and applying the same equipment rules to both groups makes little sense. Growing the Recreational Game: The “Sorta Golf Manifesto” John and Jeff brainstorm ways to make golf more fun and accessible for the masses. Their tongue‑in‑cheek “golf manifesto” includes ideas like: No penalty for lost balls — just pay a $5 “stupid tax” and move on. Scramble putts for everyone — every player gets a chance to roll one in. Relaxed rules that keep the game moving and keep players smiling. The goal: grow the recreational market by making golf less intimidating and more enjoyable. PGA Championship & Oddball Habits They wrap up with a look at the recent PGA Championship, including a player whose quirky head‑cover routine caught their attention. John jokes that FanDuel still doesn’t offer odds on “most unusual equipment ritual,” though it probably should