When the USGA’s U.S. Open press conference revealed a joint statement from the USGA, The R&A, PGA Tour and DP World Tour that suggested “a collective willingness to reconsider alternative approaches that may more materially impact the pace of future distance increases,” it was code for re-examining model local rules on golf balls and perhaps drivers that would only apply to elite golf. Those were part of the original rollback proposals from three years ago that the equipment industry and other constituencies campaigned against. Now, the R&A’s CEO Mark Darbon indicated in his annual Open Championship presser that the idea of separate rules is once again on the table. “I think it would be remiss of us not to take some time to explore some of the other alternatives that may exist, particularly given that there's clearly been a bit of change in the position of the PGA Tour and its players, an openness to look at some model local rules.” Unless someone changes his mind again.