AlCzervik

I received an email about this topic and have not read the whole thread, so forgive me if some of what I write is redundant. To the OP, as some have mentioned, 4.5 hour rounds in the U.S. tends to be the norm. As far as pace issues, my thoughts are these: It can start with tee time spacing. A few courses even have two spots every 15 minutes (always about the money). This will always cause a logjam and later tee times will be delayed. Another poster mentioned that more difficult courses need more spacing and I agree. This is something the course should regularly monitor. Ranger/ marshal enforcement. This seems to be sorely lacking. When was the last time anyone saw or heard of a group being removed due to slow play? If those players get pissed and vow not to come back, the course needn't worry about them ever again! Players unaware of the etiquette that includes allowing others to play through. People searching for lost balls and fishing for ball in lakes every hole. Ugh! Finally, some have needless routines. People watch the pros and emulate them, sometimes doing things like plumb-bobbing or using aimpoint when they haven't a clue what they're doing. Or, taking fifteen practice swings because, well, that's how Tiger did it.

So, we're going through this again? We already have had changes to equipment for 20+ years. I wonder what the reasons were to force manufacurers to change their equipment. There was the groove rule, where Ping sued. Since then, the governing bodies have forced the reduction in grooves. Not for a single moment have the governing bodies considered that course conditions and weather might be contributing factors to scores. They refuse to look at history. They still see bomb and gouge. What is mystifying to me is that those same entities wanting to restrict manufacturing have all the historical evidence in front of them as it relates to setup and weather, but still think equipment is the problem. Get a clue. As the old ad would say, "these guys are good". In my opinion, this is just one reason the USGA sucks. I could go on.

I tend to agree with you, especially about some areas around the green. But, this is what the PGA and the USGA have wanted for years,and they will continue to lengthen courses and have rough at 3" or more and complain the pros hit it too well. Let's face it. The USGA has rarely ever gotten it right. I'm sure many here remember Shinnecock, where players aimed for the bunker on a par 3. The PGA followed those footsteps.

First, what a cool contest! Cut line: +1 Spieth's score at that time: -1

Regarding GUR, I'd add that abnormal course conditions do not need to be defined by the course or committee.