USGA President Vernon Interviewed in LA Times

Jim Vernon was elected to a second one-year term as President of the USGA at their annual meeting in Newport Beach over the weekend.  Mike James spoke with Vernon about several topics in the game.  It's a worthwhile interview to read, but I wanted to pull out some snippits.

Of course, the topic of equipment regulation came up and Jim gave an answer that intrigued me and validated some thoughts in this space:

Q: You've been on the equipment standards committee and last year issued new regulations for grooves in clubs to reduce spin on the ball, to make it more challenging hitting into the greens. What's next?

A: [First part cut]...We know that with these grooves, they will come up with new golf balls, and they'll work with their players to mitigate some of the effects we've had on the grooves. It'll take a couple of years to see how this affects play at the top level. We think it will put more of a premium on driving the ball in the fairway, which is what we noted had changed in the way the game is being played.

We have been looking on a research basis at high-lofted wedges, we've heard anecdotal evidence that they may have some of the same effects as the grooves did. That is, without any particular increase in skill, a player has a way of recovering around a green or over a bunker. At the same time, we hear some pros say it is really tough to hit a 64-degree wedge. We don't have a proposal on the table, but we are taking a look at it.

We also have our ball-research project. We are in the final stages of player testing with shorter-distance golf balls. The ball manufacturers have been very cooperative giving us good quality but shorter-distance golf balls so that we can test them with players of all abilities, from hacks like me to Tiger Woods and that level. If we ever decided that we had to roll the ball back or reduce distance, this is something we can then pull off the shelf and put into effect.

I've been against the wedge grooves thing from the start because of how modern professional setups are done.  They should be allowed to have 90 degree wedges if they want.  But, the shorter-distance ball project seems to indicate a potential willingness to stop dancing around with grooves and get to the heart of the matter.  In effect, to set a precedent with grooves that could then finally close the technology loop with golf ball max distance. 

Vernon does say in a later question that he does not see this regulation happening soon, barring a dramatic increase in distance like we say for the last fifteeen years and has since leveled off. 

There is a second part to be published this week.