Model Local Rule Proposed
The USGA and R&A have announced a proposal for a model local rule (MLR) restricting the type of golf balls that elite players could use in competitive events. This would mean that pro golfers would have to use golf balls that travel shorter distances than typical modern golf balls.
Reaction from Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is all for the proposed golf ball rollback. In one statement to the press, he said:
“I’ve been pretty adamant that I don’t really want the governing bodies to touch the recreational golfer because we need to make this game as not intimidating and as much fun as possible, just to try to keep the participation levels at an all-time high. So, I’m glad in this new proposal that they haven’t touched the recreational golfer…But for elite-level play, I really like it. I really do. I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier.”
Reaction from Other Pro Golfers
McIlroy is correct in his evaluation of his peers’ response to the model local rule. Other notable pro golfers have had distinctly negative responses to the idea of restricting distance on pro golf balls.
Justin Thomas is of the opinion that “It’s so bad for the game of golf,” and Bryson DeChambeau said “I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf.”
McIlroy is in favor of the proposal because he believes that it will make for a more accurate appraisal of pro golfers’ talent, but many golfers are against it because they believe it will create a rift between pro golfers and amateurs that will be damaging to the sport’s popularity as a whole.
Potential Impact on Golf Ball Companies
Golf ball manufacturers are weighing in on the subject of the possible MLR as well. Titleist released the following statement:
“The USGA and R&A have announced a Notice and Comment to manufacturers, proposing a potential rule change to golf ball testing that results in a Model Local Rule (MLR) that provides for reduced-distance golf balls intended for professional and elite amateur competitions and a different set of rules for all other play. This bifurcation would divide golf between elite and recreational play, add confusion and break the linkage that is part of the game’s enduring fabric.”
Golf ball manufacturers also have a monetary stake in this, because they would have to manufacture different balls for pros and implement new testing and logistics processes, all for balls that will not be sold to the public. This means that golf ball brands would be spending more money and likely have to raise prices of their recreational balls in order to compensate.
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