PGA Tour and Manufacturers are Among Those Criticizing Golf Ball Rollback

The golf ball rollback enacted by the USGA and R&A that will go into effect in 2028 for elite players and 2030 for everybody has brought on a wide range of opinions. While many are against the changes, calling them unnecessary, some – like Rory McIlroy, for instance – are all for it.

🚨🚀🙅‍♂️ Rory McIlroy weighs in on the golf ball rollback “I think it’ll make the pro game more entertaining to watch…It’s not just gonna be this bomb & gouge that we see predominantly now..” @TrackingRory

pic.twitter.com/VFh59mDupX

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) December 6, 2023

With the news now official, we’re hearing what the opinions are for many of golf’s heavyweights, including major tours and manufacturers.

In the responses, we’re getting a taste of all sorts of methods of criticism.

The PGA Tour is going with the “complement sandwich” method. That’s when you try to soften the blow of criticism by starting and ending with a positive statement.

“Throughout the process, we have provided feedback to the USGA and The R&A and are pleased to see a number of our recommendations reflected in this most recent announcement. However, we believe the proposed increase in test clubhead speed to 125 mph is disproportional to the rate of increase we see when analyzing PGA Tour radar data. In conjunction with guidance from the Player Advisory Council, Player Directors and Policy Board, we will continue to share our feedback with the USGA and The R&A.”

Memo to Tour players addressing USGA/R&A golf ball rollback: “the proposed increase in test clubhead speed to 125 mph is disproportional to the rate of increase we see when analyzing PGA Tour radar data on launch conditions, using best practices for analyzing data.” pic.twitter.com/kSV3IJG63c

— Rex Hoggard (@RexHoggardGC) December 6, 2023

The PGA of America struck a similar tone. Here is an excerpt of their statement.

“We remain opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying. It appears recreational golfers will see a greater reduction in distance than we would advise. While this decrease has been lessened, we continue to recommend being more moderate on the swing speed change for the golf ball conformance test.”

The DP World Tour has a little more tact to their statement. You can tell they’re not happy, but they’re just trying to be nice”

“We appreciate the amount of time and effort the game’s governing bodies, The R&A and the USGA, have expended in research in this area. They are golf’s rule makers, and we therefore respect the decision they have arrived at.”

Finally, we’ll look at what TaylorMade CEO David Abeles has to say. Give him credit for being blunt:

As a brand that prioritizes improving product performance for golfers of all skill levels, the decision to proceed with the golf ball rollback is disappointing. While appreciative of the opportunity to have a seat at the table and a voice in the debate, we feel like the rollback is simply disconnected from what golfers believe is best for the game.

Throughout the decision-making process, the USGA provided a platform to express our views, provide new data sources, and engage in candid discussions. In the spirit of collaboration, we acknowledge and respect the rules that form an integral part of our game’s fabric, even when we disagree with them. Looking ahead, as the new golf ball standards come into effect in 2028 for professional golfers and 2030 for amateurs, we assure everyone, at every level of our game, that we will be well-prepared to navigate these changes.

Our commitment to innovation remains unwavering. As with every product we make, we will work tirelessly to find alternative pathways to make them better and we will continually push the performance boundaries within the parameters set by the rules.

Clearly, 2028 and 2030 are a long ways away, so expect things to continue to evolve in this ruling and debate.

Cover Photo via X