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Superstar golfer Rory McIlroy claims that greedy players, not governing bodies, are to blame for a new rule change that will roll back the distance of golf balls for both pros and amateurs.
The new rule, which will reportedly be announced soon, limits the type of golf balls that can be used not only on tour, but also by amateurs.
“The change involves a revision to the way golf balls are tested to see if they conform to the rules,” Mike Stachura of Golf Digest reports. “Specifically, it is expected to be announced that the test for the Overall Distance Standard would increase the swing speed at which golf balls are tested from the current standard of 120 mph to 125 mph. While increasing the swing speed, the test would not change the distance limit of 317 yards.”
Noted long hitters such as Bryson Dechambeau have slammed the proposed rule change.
Rory McIlroy Blames Players And Equipment Makers For Rule Change
The USGA and R&A initially sought to apply the rule just to pros and top amateurs. But that soon changed.
It will now apply to all players across the board. And McIlroy blames pros for that switch.
I don’t understand the anger about the golf ball roll back. It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability. It will also help bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been eradicated over the past 2 decades.…
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) December 3, 2023
“I don’t understand the anger about the golf ball roll back,” McIlroy tweeted. “It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability. It will also help bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been eradicated over the past two decades.
“The people who are upset about this decision shouldn’t be mad at the governing bodies, they should be mad at elite pros and club/ball manufacturers because they didn’t want ‘bifurcation,” he continued.
“The governing bodies presented us with that option earlier this year. Elite pros and ball manufacturers think bifurcation would negatively affect their bottom lines, when in reality, the game is already bifurcated.
“You think we play the same stuff you do? They put pressure on the governing bodies to roll it back to a lesser degree for everyone. Bifurcation was the logical answer for everyone, but yet again in this game, money talks.”
McIlroy has a point. The average Joe didn’t need their distance. But pros and equipment makers are the voices that matter. So what they wanted, they got.
Whether that’s the right thing for the game is an entirely separate discussion.