Jim Vernon Update

I did a little looking around on Google and tried to refine my keyword searches on Jim Vernon. I came across this piece in the East Valley Tribune. It's not from 2007, but it does give us a window into what Jim Vernon thinks about modern technology. Vernon was speaking to the Arizona Golf Association at their awards dinner in 2006 when he was on the technology standards committee. From the piece:

[What Vernon] said about the high-tech ball in relation to how far it’s traveling these days deserves our attention. For instance, Vernon mentioned how all of this bombing of the ball has led to a “de-skilling of the golf swing.’’ ...

According to Vernon, higher swing speeds are “more about athleticism’’ and less about rhythm and tempo. “Today, there is no correlation — none — between driving accuracy and winning on the PGA Tour,’’ Vernon said. “But there is a clear increase (in money won) for players who drive it over 300 yards.’’ Vernon said it’s gotten to the point where the Tour’s motto — “These guys are good!” — is debatable. “Maybe,’’ he said of the Tour’s claim. “But more and more, they’re hitting it off-center and getting away with it.’’ ...

Vernon sees the impact of the high-tech ball on the “No Fear” generation, and it troubles him. He said unless the ball gets brought back by 20 yards or so, we’ll be forced to bulldoze our way into the future. “The lengthening of golf courses is costly, and in many cases, impossible,’’ Vernon said. “That’s why we need everyone’s cooperation on this (issue).’’

Assuming Vernon remains consistent, we have a new USGA President that would promote rolling the ball back by 20 yards. Quite interesting...