Initial reaction to golf ball rollback outlined

Once the USGA and R&A announced a joint decision (March 14) in proposing a “Modified Local Rule” for elite competitions reducing the overall distances a golf travels at extremely high speeds it was only a matter of time before feedback from golfers at various handicap levels was going to happen.

Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry’s leading independent market research firm for retail sales, consumer, and trade trends, unveiled a survey of over 1,250 serious golfers throughout the United States to gauge positions on the issue.

The Kissimmee, FL-based company implemented the survey just days after the announcement.

Two key findings showed a majority of responders not in favor the rollback of the golf ball. Those not favoring the proposal cited a serious concern golf would no longer be played under one set of rules for all types of players.

“This golf ball rollback is a hot button topic across the professional tours and among the amateur golf community, especially among better players who rely on distance as key part of their game,” said John Krzynowek, Partner, Golf Datatech, LLC.  “For this reason, we expedited this Serious Golfer Survey to put a stake in the ground so we can assess how perceptions and opinions shift on this issue over time.”

Golf Datatech Survey

Opinions on the Proposed Rule: 52% don’t like the proposed rule. 23% are in favor of the proposed rule. 13% don’t know enough yet to have an opinion. 12% don’t care.   Among those who DO NOT SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule (647 respondents): 72% indicate they “like knowing that everyone plays by the same rules.” 55% don’t think it is necessary. 43% believe it “complicates” the rules. 7% indicate they play “high level competition” and the proposed rule complicates things for them.

The USGA and R&A proposal would permit associations and organizations within golf to decide if a shorter golf ball would be used for “Elite Professional and Amateur” events while still permitting those at the broader recreational level to still use existing golf balls.

The USGA and R&A do not have unilateral authority in mandating a rolled back golf ball for other organizations in the global golf community. The implementation would not take place till January 1, 2026 at the earliest.

Persuading golfers, at all levels, now becomes a crucial reality. Early returns show how far each major rules making organization needs to go on these paramount topics.

One of the central topics consistently promoted by both the USGA and R&A has been keeping the rules of golf unified for all players. The inclusion in permitting a “Modified Local Rule” breaks from the longstanding practice in avoiding the dreaded word “bifurcation.” Moving ahead with such a new pathway will mean golf is played at two different levels and enter unchartered territory.

The proposed plan has the USGA and R&A by 2026 implementing a rollback for their respective marquee events with the U.S. Open and The Open Championship respectively. In all likelihood the inclusion of an elite golf ball would likely be used for other key events they exclusively administer.

However, Martin Slumbers, the Chief Executive for the R&A, was quick to point out during the joint announcement that usage of an elite level golf ball would not apply to women’s golf. This could well mean a gender split going forward in the sport.

The USGA and R&A also did not offer any statements on doing anything specifically on golf clubs, just the ball side for now. But, one can only speculate if an action is taken on golf ball usage it may well mean golf club performances may also be on the radar screen for the USGA and R&A down the line.

The more impactful result will be in determining at what level a rolled back golf ball is implemented. Will other organizations adopt it, most notably at the professional tour level? How far down into the ranks of elite players will the impact reach? Will a rolled back golf play be used for high level male collegiate tournaments and then slide to other notable events at the regional and local levels?

Given the desire by the USGA and R&A to separate elite versus recreational players the likely result could very well mean a fractured sport compared to everyone under one tent now.

The face of golf comes from the weekly professional events seen on television and the success of any rolled back golf ball could well be decided by whether there’s acceptance by the PGA TOUR. The initial view from the brain trust in Ponte Vedra, FL is especially nuanced.

“We continue to work closely with the USGA and The R&A on a range of initiatives, including the topic of distance. Regarding the notice to manufacturers announced today, we will continue our own extensive independent analysis of the topic and will collaborate with the USGA and The R&A, along with our membership and industry partners, to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal. The Tour remains committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole, without negatively impacting the Tour, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”

Golf Datatech Survey

Open End Feedback among those who DO NOT SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule includes: It penalizes Elite players for being Elite. Many like to play the same equipment as the Elite players to see how they are the same/different. Some feel the ball is being held accountable, when the focus should be on clubs. There is an undercurrent of golfers who are concerned that the expense of designing and making two different balls will ultimately have to be born by the consumer, and golf ball prices will rise as a result.   Among those who SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule (293 respondents): 85% don’t want to see the classic courses made obsolete. 45% believe technological improvements are ruining the game. 39% feel Tour Pros hit the ball “too far.” 26% don’t hit it like a tour pro, so they don’t really care what the Elite players use.

The key words in that statement rest in the final sentence with the primary focal point of how such a rolled back golf ball impacts the Tour. Self-interest takes the lead over general interest.

Golf ball manufacturers also have a specific role in the process and whether they will move in unison and conform to the desires of the USGA and R&A is a hot debate topic. Acushnet, maker of Titleist golf balls, the most played ball globally, quickly provided a detailed statement which hardly can be viewed as supportive of the action being proposed.

“Playing by a unified set of rules is an essential part of the game’s allure, contributes to its global understanding and appeal, and eliminates the inconsistency and instability that would come from multiple sets of equipment standards,” said David Maher, president and CEO of Acushnet.

“Unification is a powerfully positive force in the game, and we believe that equipment bifurcation would be detrimental to golf’s long-term well-being. As a result, we will actively participate in this conversation with the governing bodies, worldwide professional tours, PGA Professional organizations, amateur associations and federations, and golfers, in an effort to contribute to the continued enjoyment and growth of the game.”

There is also the related issue of whether followers of professional golf will continue watching such telecasts if a limited ball becomes the norm for play at the highest level. Golf’s strength has come from the connectedness long associated with the sport.

Krzynowek wondered if an elite golf ball alternative is acceptable to the major professional tours? “I think a lot of it will depend upon the acceptance of the Modified Local Rule by the players themselves, particularly the top players.

Recently, we heard Rory (McIlroy) came out in support of the rule, saying it might be an advantage to him to have a shorter ball in play for everyone. If several other top players voice support of the MLR, I can see it being much more likely the PGA TOUR will go along.

One major unanswered reality focuses on highly ranked professional players with an endorsement arrangement with various golf ball manufacturers. It is those specific  relationships that may determine if a broader acceptance happens or not. The PGA TOUR also works closely with golf ball manufacturers through various sponsorship relationships that have existed for many years. Should professional tours opt in different directions the net result could well mean a fractured sport.

The broader concern is if the USGA and R&A have marginalized themselves in the process and whether the power of persuasion wins the day for them in the long run.

Krzynowek’s response is a sobering one.

“The USGA and R&A are a critical part of the fabric of the game. Their rules and governance make the game what it is today, and I don’t believe for one second, that they made this MLR without long and careful deliberation.”

“Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer to the current distance debate.

Over time, the supporters of the MLR will have time to state their case and see if they can move the needle in their favor. Only time will tell if they can.”

Golf Datatech Survey

Open End Feedback among those who SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule: A shorter ball will bring more skill back to the game for Elite players. Concern that bigger/longer golf courses require more resources to maintain (capital, water, fertilizer, etc.), and ultimately will create a sustainability case against the sport.   Respondents were also asked what impact the proposed new rule will have on their personal enjoyment of the game, and results were as follows: 79% indicated it will not have any effect on their own enjoyment. 17% said it might make the game less enjoyable. 4% believe it might make the game more enjoyable. 1% indicated they will no longer enjoy the game.