The Crinkle's Scott Ostler takes a really cyncial look at technology and golf.

The PGA won't adopt any real limits to technology of balls and clubs. It's the only sport that looks at science running amok and says, "Whatever." Why? As a wise man once said, "Follow the money."

It's not that simple. The equipment has evolved gradually over time, imporving in tenny bits here and there year over year. This evolution makes regulating it difficult -- it's tough to know where to draw hard, fast lines until after players have already adopted the clubs and balls and until after fans have come to look for 350 yards off the tee. This isn't to say the manufacturers or even the PGA don't have an interest in stronger/lighter/faster/longer, they do. But that's not where they story begins, or even what's most interesting about it.