It may seem peevish to complain that the course generally acknowledged as the toughest in America (the Ocean Course's Slope rating is 155 and its course rating is 79.6 from the extreme tips) is not tough enough, but the truth is that, for the pros, Dye's masterpiece can be had.

WSJ: PGA Championship: The PGA Meets Pete Dye's Tricks

Most of the world already uses the USGA's course rating and Slope standards, but CONGU relies mainly on its own system and Australia does not yet use Slope, although it will by the end of 2013.

WSJ: Golf Journal: Does the Handicap System Need a Makeover?

Of course there are difficulties framing legislation containing safeguards and of course we must beware of the so-called slippery slope.

ECONOMIST: Polish woes