6 Changes to Golf That Actually Make Sense

The golf industry is constantly trying to one-up the last product it came out with. So what's next for Taylormade? They've already gone to white, so I'm gonna have to go with the orange driver as the next big craze.

In all seriousness, the game of golf still has some changes that could be made. And surprisingly enough, they're not all equipment related.

The rules have shown flaws, and it's time to make some adjustments to on-course as well as equipment regulations.

Rule 13-2/8.5

Everyone remember this rule? Of course you don't.

So, an explanation. This rule entitles a player to brush off sand that is between them and the hole on/around the green as long as their ball was there first.

Why does it have to be that way?

Proposition: Any sand between you and the hole isn't supposed to be there unless aeration was just complete. It's not a part of the green, and although you would think it falls under loose impediment it doesn't according to this rule. It's time to expand the rule to allow a player to brush any sand between them and the hole.

Rather trivial, but think of it—which putt are you more likely to make: one where the ball could bounce off line because of sand on the green, or one where it's just you, grass and a little hole to putt your ball in?

For a player in a tournament, that's a potential stroke saver, not to mention the annoyance it can save of someone who doesn't deserve to putt through someone else's mistake.

Courses Create 12-Hole Rates

It's already been proposed by Jack Nicklaus. However, no one wants to embrace the idea. Why? If someone doesn't have the time to play 18, but they want to get in a few more than nine holes why wouldn't the course be willing to take their money?

It doesn't make sense. Why is it not worth the try? People who play 18 holes regularly aren't going to just stop and only play 12 if it starts, but people who want more than nine may give it a whirl.

If the Golden Bear thinks this could help the golf industry, it can't be too bad of an idea.

Stop Adding Distance to PGA Courses

We get it, the players today hit the ball long. However, why punish those who are good players but aren't 330 off the tee (i.e., Luke Donald)?

Maybe it's time to change the ball. I'm not one who thinks that an 80 percent of today's ball is needed. Instead, something that should fly 90 percent is plenty.

What courses need to do is grow up the rough. The game, especially for professionals, is supposed to be played on the fairway. So why do most regular tournaments on tour not grow the rough up?

Because they want to see low scores. News flash: It is exciting to see someone shoot 63, but if that's one of 20 scores at 65 or better in a round, the course is too easy.

Let's stop changing our history by redesigning unbelievable layouts like Cog Hill and start looking at where courses and the tour can improve without overhauling.

Video Review Disqualifications

With the advent of HDTV, the golf world has become like many sports, accustomed to video review. However, this needs to be adjusted.

If a player is unaware that he committed an infraction, but the video says otherwise and he's already signed his scorecard, it's a disqualification. Why?

Watch the PGA Tour. Almost all players have the honor to call a penalty when it is deserved. Why punish someone for an honest mistake by disqualifying them?

So here's a simple proposition: Let's say an accident occurs and a player is unaware it is a penalty. If it is declared one after review, just add the necessary strokes. It's not fair to disqualify someone for an honest mistake they aren't aware of.

The second half of this proposition: NO MORE CALLING IN PENALTIES. Simply put, no fans should have a say in the game. Watch, but do not look around for the PGA's number to screw someone over. Find something better to do.

Shrink the FedEx Cup Field

125 players on the PGA Tour earn their card by finishing in the Top 125 on the money list. There are other exemptions for full-year status, but the majority of players that have full status come from this list.

So why is 80 percent of the regular playing field competing in the playoffs? Baseball only has eigh teams make the playoffs. The NHL touches 50 percent.

Skip 125 to 100, go straight to 100-70 for the first week.

Shorten the Season

It's great to be able to play golf year round, but every professional sport has an offseason. Golf really doesn't. They don't have many off weeks, either. That's all determined by the player.

However, with the Olympics in 2016, is the PGA Tour going to try and compete?

Why not start now and shorten up the season by a few weeks, or just add in off weeks? Charl Schwartzel skipped a FedEx Cup event because he needed rest.

With the game becoming more international, it's the PGA Tour's job to provide an environment for the players that promotes competition, and protects them. This many tournaments is unnecessary by a large margin; there's just no other way to put it.