Possibly, for a handful of players. Here’s a clue:
Some at the elite level have chosen a 24-7 obsession, not just a job. Add dedicated state of the art human performance regimen and NASA-level mega-data, presto.
You ask is it “appropriate to study the situation”. No! Does FIFA spend millions to study spin on a ball because of Beckham? Does ITF study catgut because of Laver or Bjorg? Ok, I’m dating myself there.
It’s a specious question.
Davis has stated that increased distance is pressuring courses (presumably courses interested in courting PGA events) to expand their footprint. Scott Fawcett and Lou Stagner disagree, accommodation of increased patrons and media demands, not players, are responsible. There has never been a PGA event that has come close to using the “tips”.
Dave, I hold you in the greatest esteem. I hope you’ll forgive the ramblings of an old hack like me in spirit intended: passionate debate.
Even with modern equipment, I’d struggle to match Arnie’s balata off persimmon. But it’s important to me that I’m playing the same game.