Good to see the USGA's "While We're Young" campaign on picking up the pace of play.  Kind of ironic that it was announced mid-US Open with it's 5+hour rounds... but the spots were well done and will hopefully be embraced by the golfing masses.

It was particularly refreshing to see a major PR campaign from an organization like the USGA focused on something that has the potential for an immediate and lasting benefit to all golfers, across all skill levels and choice of golf course.  Too often the big dollars are poured down the "golf and environment" PR chasm or into the First Tee program, both admirable but of dubious benefit in solving the problems integral to the New Golf Environment (NGE, acronym my own) in any near-term timeframe.

Now, at the other end of the pace of play spectrum, along comes E-Z-GO's announcement the other day about their new, improved TXT golf car.

Beyond the ubiquitous cupholders (these sport "45% more volume"), the dashboard of the new TXT "can be equipped with an optional USB port to recharge mobile phones, rangefinders and other small electronics, while also providing 30 percent more storage enough room for an iPad... conveniences expected by todays golfers."

The industry might be better served by a cellphone jamming device and a small plaque that reads, "We appreciate you checking your email at the turn..." or something to that effect.

Earlier in the year, Club Car announced the future Precedent4Fun 4-person golf car with front-facing seats for four passengers, the ability to carry four golf bags, and (of course) additional cup holders.  

Hmmm.  I can see applications for this, such as a couple wanting to take their kids along with them for nine holes in the evening, or to teach their kids the game, or at resorts where things are more relaxed and two couples may want to play and ride together.

I can also imagine four beer-swilling yahoos careening around the golf course, all searching for each other's golf balls, cheering each other on, taking an extra 30 or 40 minutes to finish their round.  Might be great for the fun quotient (which is certainly of value to offset the difficulty issue), but hardly gives a second thought to time economy on the golf course.

Maybe foursomes riding together will have so much fun over the five or six hours that time won't be a concern.  But it might be for the foursome behind them.