Golf: A Golf Ball Change Could Be Coming

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We all know that technology has changed almost everything in our lives. In the game of golf, it seems both amateurs and professionals are hitting the ball further. Both the equipment and balls have made it easier to do just that. The tours are attempting to change a rule for what types of balls are being used. Rory McIlroy said that last week’s Travelers Championship needs to be scrapped because it is too easy to score and win. Most golf courses have tried to lengthen it. Not all of them can do that. They have tried making the rough longer to try and make it harder to score. The USGA and R&A are meeting to make decisions on how they can change the rules on what type of balls. The rule will make sure the balls will not go as far.

The questions are how are they going to decide what balls are being used and how will the players react to it? A test was done in 2021 to potentially raise the test swing speed for the ODS from 120 to 125mph. The ball will be determined by a test where the clubhead speed is 127mph with an 11-degree launch. The current test for balls is 120mph and a 10-degree of launch. 127mph is 12mph faster than the average clubhead speed currently on the PGA Tour. The fastest on tour belongs to Brandon Hagy who has 126.06 mph. If the balls that are being tested at 127mph would not confirm with any balls used on the tour. The current balls would exceed the 317-yard distance limit set by the governing bodies. This is significant because it could mean a 300-yard drive may only go between 280-285 yards.

If this is adopted, it could be in place by as early as January of 2026. We will have the next two and a half years with the current ball and rules. The MLR could set a course for bifurcation drawing a line in the sand between elite-level pros/amateurs and the recreational golfer. MLR stands for Model Local Rule. When it comes to bifurcation that means you as a golfer would be playing with different equipment than professional golfers. Wait don’t we already do that? The equipment that recreational golfers use is what the professionals used a couple of years ago. Jack Nicklaus, who has won 18 major championships, said that something needs to be done soon. Nicklaus believes that it will get done but how long will it take to research the problem?

This is far away from being done. For the recreational golfer, this will be better. The problem will be with professionals and high amateur players. Let’s say they insulated the rule and it cost a player to win a tournament. It will then be a big problem and the tour already has problems. The biggest of course is the LIV/PGA/WDPT merger. Also, how will the ball manufacturers make a shorter ball? That is an interesting question and there will be many more questions about this. If they are not going to institute the rule until 2026, they have two years to figure it out. I am curious about what balls will the players use and what courses will put the new balls rule in place.

What are your thoughts on a new golf ball rule? Leave a comment below.

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