My Name is Jeffrey, and These are My Thoughts: Golf a Different Way

The 2016 Major season has come and gone, and while it didn't have the fire power that 2015 had, it was still a strong run that included an epic meltdown (always a blast to watch), a USGA ruling blunder, one of the most impressive duels ever witnessed at a major championship Final Round, and Jimmy Walker.

I kid, mainly because I have always liked Jimmy Walker, even though I couldn't tell you why. He's not one for personality, and despite uber talent, he's not a flashy player. I think his appeal is that you can't say anything bad about him because everyone seems to like him. He was a deserving champion as he made only five bogeys all week, playing the final 28 holes bogey-free, and he held off the No. 1 player in the world, Jason Day, and the reigning British Open Champion, Henrick Stenson -- both men share the 72-hole scoring record for major championships at 20-under par. Also, did you know he's into astronomy?!?! Don't know if you've heard that or not.

However, I don't want to use this space to talk about his performance at the PGA Championship as better writers have already done so. I do want to talk about the PGA Championship though, specifically its lack of an identity.

I completely understand that the likelihood of the PGA ever reaching the same footing as the other three majors is slight. The Masters, deserved or not will always be the "finest tournament" in the sport and one that almost all players wish to win the most. The U.S. Open will always be "golf's toughest test", even if they manipulate the course to do so. The British Open will always be the oldest championship in the game, played on distinct and historic venues that showcase the game in its purest form. However, I do believe that a place exists for the PGA if done properly.

Tiger Woods still has 14 majors. His four PGAs count just as equally as his four Masters. When counting Jack's 18 majors, we don't devalue his five PGAs. Obviously, if you are going to have the choice of which major you win, you would pick one of the three first, but that reality doesn't mean that Davis Love, III isn't a major champion. We don't devalue Jason Day because he has only won a PGA Championship thus far.

Nevertheless, in spite of terrific play from world-class players, you couldn't help but sense that something felt odd about this tournament, aside from the weather and modified schedule, because even on Thursday and Friday, something just felt off about the tournament. While the moving of the date to make way for golf's return to the Olympics took away some steam from the event and decreased the anticipation, I think the PGA struggled with an identity this year, a problem that surfaces when the tournament goes to more U.S. Open-style venues.

The USGA and the PGA of America have the same stated goal of promoting the game of golf. However, the USGA also adds that it also "conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it" (according to them).

The USGA is a bunch of amateurs, literally, while the PGA of America is a collection professionals whose livelihood is directly affected by the game of golf and consequently its standing. Simply, the USGA are golfing ideologues while the PGA of America are the actual earners.

The PGA Tour has never been stronger as it pertains to the depth of the fields with the evidence displayed when No. 48 in the world was able to defeat No. 1 at one of the sport's biggest stages. That situation doesn't happen in any other individual sport. However, golf at the recreational level is dying.

The Wall Street Journal found that "the number of people trying golf for the first time has gone up, but overall participation continues to drop". Golf has lost nearly one-sixth of participants in the US over the last decade. The game is too slow, the courses are too long, and people are apt to drop the game once a better option is offered.

I believe that the time has come for the PGA of America to embrace the state of golf and showcase another way, and what better venue to do so than at our flagship event the PGA Championship?

Golf course development and design is so good at the moment. We are building amazing courses that are more sustainable and affordable to run thanks to the advancements in agronomy. While some of the classic U.S. Open venues are marvels and relics that withstand the test of time, many are not financially sustainable thanks to the amount of money necessary to keep them playable. Oakmont took down hundreds of trees primarily for this very reason, not to revert back to the way it was.

If you don't think so, take a look at the country club business throughout the country.

I believe the PGA of America needs to focus on the modern golf course so as to appeal to the modern golfer. By the time August rolls around, most Tour Pros are mentally drained from the toll of the summer. Make the setups more favorable to the player and feature these great venues that are the future of golf. Make them destinations for the viewer at home. Part of the excitement of watching golf on TV is familiarity with the course. Augusta thrives on this fact and though to a lesser extent, so too does the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. When one watches the U.S. Open staged at Pebble Beach, he feels like he's seeing a totally different golf course than what he played himself, not the case when he watches a PGA at Whistling Straits.

Whistling Straits is quickly becoming one of golfer's favorite destinations.

Further, by easing the setups to favor the players, the pace of play will speed up. I'm not Asian, but it is statistically proven that it takes more time to hit 78 shots than it does to hit 68. If the game can showcase the proper and preferred playing, those at home will follow.

No one complained about the Final Round dual between Stenson and Mickelson except for a crotchety golf writer or purist here and there, and those people are dying anyway. Golf is really exciting and entertaining when played well. If the PGA of America really is interested in the business of golf and ensuring its long-term viability, it needs to consider these factors.

Perhaps look at some of the exciting new courses on the West Coast as possible venues so that you can feature your Championship in Primetime while also avoiding the weather threats that East Coast and Southern Summers inherently provide.

Though Bandon, Oregon isn't the easiest destination, the venue would be a terrific major venue.

Need more convincing? Think of the most memorable moments in PGA Championship history -- Tiger's walking in his putt in 2000 at Valhalla, Vijay's playoff win at Whistling Straits in 2004, Martin Kaymer's playoff win over some guy named Bubba in 2010, Rory's brilliance at Kiawah in 2012, the primetime finish in 2014 at Valhalla, Day's record setting performance last year at Whistling Straits -- all of these occurred at modern-style golf course.

Also, Kiawah and Valhalla are the venues of two of the most memorable Ryder Cups on American soil with the 1991 War at the Shore and the 2008 American Upset.

Further, add Chambers Bay into the fold because the USGA ruined that course by manipulating the greens to speeds that they desired rather than speeds that were healthy for the course. Don't forget that Chambers Bay wasn't the first venue at which the USGA lost the greens because they wanted the fastest greens possible (See Shinnecock Hills).

Not every football team is blessed with dominating offensive and defensive lines, a powerful running back, and solid special teams. Some teams have to find a niche. They have to spread the field and throw it 50 times per game to compete. The PGA of America should consider the golf equivalent of the spread offense. Spread the field as wide as it will go, and let your best players light up the score board.

PS - Here are some ideas for future venues that everyone can play.