Model Local Rule (MLR)

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A lengthy matter

A lengthy matter

Golf in London uses up nearly as much land as all other sports put together.

Golf balls

How driving distance in golf has increased as new rule reduces ball travel

The earliest clubs were often carved by the players themselves and made of wood.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers

R&A boss says rule change to reduce golf ball distance is ‘proportionate’

Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods supported the proposal but it was opposed by the PGA Tour and PGA of America.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy says rule change ‘will make no difference to the average golfer’

McIlroy and Tiger Woods spoke out in support of the proposal but it was opposed by the PGA Tour.

Golf’s “other” ticking time bomb

The staging of this week’s U.S. Open at LACC pushed aside momentarily the pending marriage of the PGA TOUR and LIV. M. James Ward examines…

Initial reaction to golf ball rollback outlined

Initial reaction to golf ball rollback outlined

Neither an alternative elite golf ball nor bifurcation favored. M. James Ward analyzes the pathway ahead. The USGA and R&A take center stage with plenty…

Drawing lines in the sand blown away by timidity and time

Drawing lines in the sand blown away by timidity and time

The need for an elite golf ball for certain competitions could have been alleviated if the USGA and R&A acted sooner. M. James Ward outlines…

McIlroy backs shorter ball proposal with majors on his mind

Rory McIlroy backs ‘unpopular’ shorter ball proposal with majors on his mind

The Northern Irishman said he could choose to play it in PGA Tour tournaments even if not adopted on the US circuit.

Golf's "Dirty Word" Unveiled

Golf’s ‘Dirty Word’ Unveiled

The USGA and R&A golf ball announcement could prompt a major civil war among the sport’s key stakeholders. M. James Ward examines the possible ramifications…

Justin Thomas in action

Justin Thomas: Prospect of shorter ball being used in elite competition ‘so bad’

The R&A and USGA announced the proposal of a Model Local Rule to give tournament organisers an option to use balls which travel around 15…

Martin Slumbers during a press conference

Governing bodies aim to ‘bring the game along with us’ in shorter ball proposal

Advances in fitness and golf equipment technology have seen players hit the ball further and further in recent years.

Golf's governing bodies have proposed a new local rule to give tournament organisers the option to require the use of a distance-reducing ball

R&A and USGA propose rule to bring in option of using distance-reducing ball

The Model Local Rule (MLR) is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf.