"The defense rests."

The best part about watching the golf world realize that the governing bodies blew the pooch on distance? The entertaining attempts to defend the indefensible!

E. Michael Johnson attempts to refute Tiger's memory about distance gains and his suggestion that he understands why people might want a rollback (imagine if Tiger had actually suggested a rollback...would his red shirts have been suggested to be indications of untoward political leanings?).

Johnson ignores that by 2000 the trouble had already begun and here we are ten years later with the game falling apart at the seams, with the distance chase having not done a thing to help the business or joy of golf.

When Woods speaks, people usually take notice. But relying on anecdotal evidence can be dicey.
Seven years ago this column was devoted to a defense of the golf ball as the culprit of all distance evils. Although the ball was acquitted back then, it now faces double jeopardy. So let the defense of the ball, part II, begin.

Double jeopardy? At least we're admitting that a majority of people recognize the easiest way to resolve the issue.

Argument: Woods' contention that his 207-yard downhill 7-iron is proof distance has run amok because "I don't ever hit 7-iron that far."

Defense: Really? As long as we're going to use anecdotal evidence, let's go to the videotape of the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Fast forward to the second round, par-5 sixth hole. There's Woods smashing a 7-iron from more than 200 yards uphill out of the rough to reach the green in two. Not a 7-iron off a tee downhill, but from rough uphill. Yes, kind sir, you can, on occasion, hit a 7-iron that far.

Don't you feel invalidated, Tiger!

Argument: Golfers are becoming more athletic. Or, as Woods said, "Most of the guys now are 6-3, 6-2, 6-4."

Defense: Although we concede golfers are becoming more athletic, Woods will never get a job at a carnival guessing people's heights. The 2010 PGA Tour media guide lists 164 players. Only 17 are 6-foot-3 or taller. Another 23 are 6-foot-2. Meanwhile, 65 players are shorter than 6 feet.

So it's not player athleticism now? Sheesh, I can't keep up with the spin!

Argument: Distance is out of control, making the game one of pitch-and-putt.

Defense: Puh-leeze. Average driving distance on the PGA Tour has flatlined in the last five years and is currently 2.2 yards shorter (286.7 to 288.9) than it was at the end of the 2006 season. Distance is in complete control, not out of it.

If it's under control and not budging, what's the harm in taking it back for the elite players? And why should it be under control at all? Oh that's right, because being out of control would be a bad thing.

Argument: Scoring records have become as fragile as glass. Just look at the two 59s shot this year.

Ehh, Tiger didn't make that claim, so we'll pass.

Argument: But if the USGA is testing shorter balls, they must be getting ready to do something about it.

Defense: Don't bank on it. Part of the USGA's job is to stay true to the Joint Statement of Principles it put forth with the R&A in May 2002. That guiding document states, "The R&A and the USGA believe any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest level are undesirable...Should such a situation of meaningful increases in distances arise, the R&A and the USGA would feel it immediately necessary to seek ways of protecting the game...The principles stated in this document will, when carefully applied, serve the best interests of the game of golf."

If that's the case, then the verdict is clear -- unless there is a seismic shift in distance, nothing will be done about the ball. And that -- especially given the apparent lack of benefit compared to the angst caused by the recent groove rule -- would be in the best interests of the game.

The defense rests.

The only genuine groove rule angst is in Far Hills, where they are waiting to see something materially change as a result of the groove rule change!