The USGA vs. Manufacturers: the battle continues...

Therefore, the USGA's 385 cc limit was an arbitrary and curious figure given that-the USGA somehow missed on this one-there are drivers already in use with heads larger than 385 cc.

And those large drivers appeal mostly to average hackers who would rather drive for show than putt for dough. So if the USGA tries to regulate clubhead size, then it is arguably targeting at ordinary, recreational golfers.

47-inch limit on the length of clubs is absurd simply because golfers are getting bigger and taller. One would think that, for example, Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley might need drivers longer than 47 inches, and the same can be said about those long drive championship contestants, who must conform to USGA rules. And if a 50-inch driver is not traditional, what about those long-shafted, broom stick putters used by Bernhard Langer and Scott McCarron?

The USGA's latest scheme can be regarded as an ill-advised attempt to compensate hastily for the heat it took throughout the 1990s, when the proliferation of titanium drivers took the golf world by storm and caught the USGA off guard.

Granted, no one wants to see golf become drive-pitch-and-putt show, and in this era of ever-developing technology in golf clubs, some fine old courses are increasingly being rendered obsolete. However, that the USGA amended its proposals merely 22 days after the announcement, in the middle of the comment period no less, speaks volumes about the association's intentions and willingness in the first place. Why the USGA could not stand more firmly against criticism from manufacturers but instead faltered easily under pressure must be addressed and addressed quickly.

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