Do you agree golf technology debate healthy?

Do you agree golf technology debate healthy?

Acushnet chief Wally Uihlein believes the relationship between manufacturers and ruling bodies is "180 degrees improved" from where it was 20 years ago.

That doesn't mean the two sides do not - nor should not - disagree on technology issues.

"I really think we need to let the ruling bodies define the issues and the manufacturers, in the spirit of those ruled upon, Cheap Golf Clubs need to continue to provide the tension, which ensures the dialogue is open and progressive," Uihlein said.

He spoke last week at the Bay Club, where he introduced Acushnet's new ownership, a Korean consortium called Alexandria Holdings. The new Acushnet chairman is Gene Yoon, who said that all Wholesale Golf Equipment operations at Acushnet's headquarters of Fairhaven, Mass., will stay the same.

The debate between tradition andR11 Driver technology has been around more than a century, and that is not likely to change. Uihlein said he can make an argument "for or against bifurcation" - different equipment rules for pros and amateurs - although that should not be an agenda that any manufacturer could promote.

"We still have a commercial genesis to that thought process," he said. "We can't argue that we have the best interest in the game. We can make that argument, but the fact is we represent the commercial landscape. And so, it doesn't matter how noble our argument is. It's still going to be seen as to some degree commercially prejudiced."

Uihlein said it's up to the R&A and the USGA to not only set the rules, but to assume greater responsibility in the game's future.

"If not, who does?" he said. "There's always going to be that question of whose game with Ping G10 Driver is it, and who's responsible for its perpetuation and sustenance."

Acushnet chief believe technology debate healthy, so what's your opinion?

Stroud, who started these playoffs last week at No. 106 and moved up to No. 75 after The Barclays, looked like he would easily advance to the third playoff event until nothing came easily in the final round. He was 4 over on the day and needed an eagle on the par-5 18th to crack the top 70.

He had a 2-iron from 232 yards when he changed at the last minute to a 3-iron and struck it perfectly. The ball crawled over the ridge, was inches from hitting the pin and settled just over 3 feet away for an eagle.