But first a little reminiscing.

What did we accomplish in 2010?

Not much…

We did not see the industry turn around. It’s still losing ground.

–We did see some ridiculous weather, including a hellacious summer particularly for courses and superintendents east of the Mississippi.

–Brown did not become the new green. Just ask Pebble Beach, Oakmont, and Chambers Bay.

–We lost The Ryder Cup and The Open at St. Andrews wasn’t all that interesting after Friday.  However, 16 under was.

–Johnny Miller still likes grain, and not for his digestive tract. (more)

My resolution for this year is to be a “glass half full” guy and hope for the best. I’ll start my hoping with the main issues we’ll have to consider in 2011:

• There is an “ED” issue within two of our main institutions and no little blue pill to cure it. Who will the next Executive Directors of the USGA and GCSAA be? The game needs good, smart, forward-thinking people in both positions. People who will step in, step up, and not be afraid to challenge the establishments and make significant changes.

• Green is the new green. By which I mean money. I hope this finally is the year that golf’s different constituencies put aside petty differences and work together. Instead of jaw-flapping at fancy golf summits, we need to be aggressive in finding ways to get people learning, playing, buying equipment, taking golf vacations, and enjoying themselves.

• “Fast and firm” is the new directive in golf agronomics. Don’t worry about the color of the course: If it plays fast and firm, it will be fun. And to get to that, it’s okay to use less water, limit chemistry and fertility, try new turfgrass options, and—horrors!—accept the occasional on-course blemish. As golfers, we’re not that good, so our courses don’t have to be perfect, either.

• To the guys in the TV trucks: Please make golf more exciting to watch. About the only times you keep me awake are the final nine at The Masters and the Open Championship (especially at The Old Course). A steady diet of six-foot putts is like watching paint dry. (Hint: Check out the European Tour for some good ideas.)

• To the talking heads: I watch TV golf mostly to hear you misspeak. Especially Mr. Miller. Johnny, I’ve hooked up a “grain counter” to my set. Whether it’s down grain, cross grain, into or against the grain, reverse grain, or even double grain, I’m going to take note every time you mention—or worse blame—grain for anything.

• A question for my friends in the blue blazers: “How’d that groovey, changey thing work out for ya?” Reports are the new groove rule didn’t make much of a difference. So since that didn’t work I’m guessing that Wally’s World will continue to bulk up the war chest to fund a fight with the ball industry.

Just what we need: To make a hard game even harder. That’s a brilliant way to bring in potential new players.