" The R&A and USGA have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf. "
I have posted the entire joint statement in an earlier piece.
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For years Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player amongst other legends of the game have told us that for the good of the game and all that entails, the top change required would be reducing the distance of the golf ball travels at the elite level.
Who are we to disagree ?
As it stands the current golf ball has been designed to spin less, therefore travel further and importantly curve less. The trend therefore has been to increase clubhead speed to launch it as far off the tee in particular, as possible. Gary Player said 40 years ago " One day a professional golfer will stand on a tee and hit it 400 yards".. He was right.
I believe they need to make the ball spin more, which will reduce it's length, and require more skill from the player to keep it straight and in the fairway. Less skilled players will incur all the hazards, natural and designed that courses provide.
Many great old traditional courses like St Andrews that have become obsolete with the current ball, without the wind, will once again become more of the stern test they once were.
The longer hitters will still be the longer hitters, I think it's the hitters who are shorter that will feel the effects the most.
The resolution provides until August for feedback.
I expect opposition including a media blitz from all the major ball manufacturers like Titleist, Ping, Callaway, Taylor Made, Srixon, Bridgestone. Their bottom lines will be affected.
However remember this resolution is for the elite players, and provides an "optional" clause and it does not affect the recreational millions around the world.
It is also inherent upon the R&A / USGA who govern this game by consent, to lead in all aspects, not the equipment manufacturers, TV or sponsors. No professional tour or amateur body for that matter has to comply, however I expect they will.
Finally the environment. Our children will face a much different world and golf has to play its part. Longer courses using more arable land, more water, more chemicals, more gas, electricity, taking more time and costing more to play to the exclusion of the masses all has to continue be considered and will become more crucial as the years go by.
Therefore I applaud what I've seen in this resolution, it won't kick in until January 2026, and by then it will all be sorted, and the great game will go on.
Bryan Angus
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