The USGA and R&A’s Distance Insights Report released last week is a prime example of one of the great afflictions of modern society: the knee jerk reaction.

Uninformed commentary is nothing new, of course, but the spread of it on the digital world’s version of ‘Chinese Whispers’ – also known as Twitter – can sometimes be confronting.

Granted, there is an awful lot to digest in the report which runs to 102 pages. Even the summary runs to 15.

But for the same reasons the rules of the game are complex (i.e because the game itself is complex) the topic of hitting distance and its relationship to the playing of golf is multi-faceted.

Like a hair ball, the pulling of a strand in one place to ‘solve’ a particular problem will often have unintended consequences elsewhere.

Given that, the authorities are to be applauded for the thoroughness of their approach but – just as it’s not uncommon to see people try to ‘Push’ a door clearly marked ‘Pull’ – it’s no surprise many miss the point.

The first and most important takeaway is that hitting distance is a problem predominantly at the elite level. (In terms of playing strategy, that is. There are safety concerns at club level but that’s an issue for another time).

"... the likelihood of any golf club instituting this rule for your Wednesday stableford comp – or even your monthly medal or Club Championship – is as close to zero as one can get without actually being zero."

Secondly – and this is the bit most seemed to miss – the solution offered at this point is through the use of a local rule. A ‘soft’ bifurcation, if you will.

Here’s what the report says:

“We will assess the potential use of a Local Rule option that would specify use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distances.

“The concept is that equipment meeting a particular set of reduced-distance specifications – for example, a ball that does not travel as far or a club that will not hit a ball as far – might be a defined subset of the overall category of conforming equipment.

“This could allow committees that conduct golf competitions or oversee individual courses to choose, by Local Rule authorised under the Rules of Golf, whether and when to require that such equipment be used.

“Such a Local Rule option could be available for use at all levels of play, and golfers playing outside of a competition could also have the option to make this choice for themselves.”

So, the likelihood of any golf club instituting this rule for your Wednesday stableford comp – or even your monthly medal or Club Championship – is as close to zero as one can get without actually being zero. (If your club wants to do this then it is recommended you find another club.)

It pays to keep the above in mind when reading some of the misleading takes being circulated about the governing bodies ‘taking distance away’ from recreational golfers.

It simply isn’t true, nor is it the intention of anybody concerned about hitting distance at the elite level for the everyday golfer to be affected.

The Distance Insights Report has rightfully captured the attention of golfers around the world and will be a talking point for months and years to come.

It is the duty of those reporting on it and discussing it to do so honestly and accurately.

Anything less does the game a disservice.