Technologically golf equipment evolved tremendously during the past 25 years, but how much did performance variables change? This study's purpose was to determine degree of change in key components of the game of professional golf during those 25 years, and examine the relationship of those components to mean 18-hole score (MS). PGA statistics were collected for each 5th year, from 1980 to 2005, for: MS, driving distance (DD) driving accuracy [percent fairways hit] (DA), percent greens in regulation (GIR), and putts per round (PPR). ANOVA tested for significant differences from year to year, and multiple regression developed explanatory models for MS for each of the six years of data. An alpha level of .05 was applied for all analyses. Significant decreases in MS occurred 1980-1985, 1990-1995, but not 1985-1990, 1995-2000, or 2000-2005. For DD only 1990-1995 failed to produce a significant increase. DA increased significantly 1980-1985, 1990-1995, 2000-2005, with non-significant decreases 1985-1990 and 1995-2000. GIR rose non-significantly 1980-1985, non-significantly declined 1985-1990, increased significantly ~ 4 percentage points 1990-1995, saw a non-significant reduction 1995-2000, and a significant decline 2000-2005 to virtually the same as 1980. PPR steadily declined 1980- 2005 by .74. Significant decreases were 1980-1985, 1985-1990, 1995-2000. Other intervals had non-significant declines. With simultaneous entry of DD, DA, GIR, and PPR, the 1980 regression model explained 85.3% of the variance in MS, with all explanatory variables significant. The 1985 model was the same, except explained variance was 93.6%. The 1990 model, excluding a non-significant DA, was significant with 87.2% explained variance. The 1995 model was similar, but with all explanatory variables contributing and 91.2% explained variance, likewise for the 2000 model with 94.1% explained variance. Both DA and DD were non-significant contributors for the 2005 model. A reduced model, containing only GIR and PPR, explained 89.2% of the variance in MS. Golf equipment changed greatly over 25 years, but did performance? The best answer is likely “Yes and No”. MS improved by one stroke during that time, only slightly more than one-tenth stroke from 1995 to 2005. DD increased by almost 32 yards. DA is essentially no different in 2005 than in 1980. GIR fluctuated considerably, but is virtually no different in 2005 than in 1980. PPR steadily decreased, but by only seven-tenths of a stroke from 1980 to 2005, although it alone accounts for most of the one stroke reduction in MS over the same time span.Keyword(s): coaching, sport management, sport topics