Technology And Tradition in Sports

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Professional sports are a vital component to our society as we know it. Week in and week out, fans fill the stands to cheer on their favorite teams, just the same as they did 50 years ago. On the contrary, these professional sports have evolved with the introduction of new technologies that are erupting controversies, especially in the last decade. Experts suggest that these advantages that today’s players have over those in the past can ruin the integrity of the achievements and records they set during their era. Players are getting a distinct advantage, raising the question at hand. Are technological advancements in today’s sports harming the game as a whole? Golf is undeniably a sport that has been thoroughly impacted by technology, and we will examine how the game has been affected.

Technology and tradition affects everyone who plays golf, especially those who have a passion for the game. It’s no secret that the technologies of golf have altered the game, but are these alterations harming the game? The game is surely changing, introducing new technologies that have greater forgiveness, making it such that a weekend golfer can still obtain better scores. The most interesting aspect of the game is the evolution of the equipment itself, and how the United States Golf Association (USGA) has regulated to protect the integrity of the game.

One of the most changed aspects of golf has been the evolution of the golf ball. Back in 1910, Golf Illustrated reported, “If the carrying power of golf balls is to be still further increased, all our golf courses will be irretrievably ruined as a test of the game…” The USGA has since placed regulations on the golf ball. In 1932, a weight and size restriction was put in effect with ...

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... part of the games heritage. Sports have changed and will continue to do so. There will always be that technological advance that gives players an edge, but one can guarantee that there will be someone who thinks that edge is harmful to the game. To protect the integrity, each sport adds regulations and rules to the rulebook if necessary. As seen with golf, the golf ball and titanium driver are completely different than when they were back in 1960, but the USGA has placed regulations on how they are manufactured. Thus, in 2000, the winner only scored two strokes better on the most prestigious tournament the professionals play each year. Critical or not, professional sports are changing, becoming more competitive, and with it comes controversy. The facts are out there, and only you can be the one to answer the question, is technology harming professional sports?

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