It’s a phrase that gets bandied about – but what is bifurcation in golf?
Let’s start with the formal definition: ‘To divide into two separate parts.’ Pretty simple, but how does this relate to our wonderful game?
When we look at the increases in driving distances in golf it is the professionals and elite amateurs that are gaining the most distance and the quickest. It is not often your average club golfer slogs a drive 300+ yards down the fairway but this is a frequent occurrence on professional tours around the world.
So why should the average golfer have to suffer and use dialled back equipment which would reduce their hitting distance which many argue would decrease their enjoyment.
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Many people believe the solution is to have separate equipment rules for professionals and amateurs. This would mean there would be no changes to your equipment and you can continue to rip it round your home course in 85. The pros however would then use dialled-back equipment to reduce hitting distance because apparently no one wants to see Rory McIlroy bombing it 310 yards.
It’s important to know at no point in the R&A report do they mention bifurcation, or suggest it is the correct solution, it is just a popular topic amongst golfers.
The most popular idea for bifurcation in golf is to have two separate golf balls. This makes the most logical sense as it means people transitioning from the amateur to professional game wouldn’t have to completely replace all their clubs to meet different requirements. They could simply swap to the new ball which you have to re-purchased on a regular basis anyway.
