The debate that has been going on for a long time in golf around the distances reached by professionals has been dealt with these days by the two institutions in charge of deciding on the rules of this sport. The Royal & Ancient (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have opened the door to a slower ball model that in principle would only be used by male professionals, since the problem of distance is not considered such yet transferred to the field female.
Golf, slow ball
For years there has been talk of implementing a rule that prevents players from going further and even helps to reduce the distances that they achieve today. It is evident that the idea of lengthening the fields is something that does not make sense.
The ‘Tiger effect’ and the technological progress that accompanied it -and has continued- has already forced many to modify. Some golfers have been arguing for some time that the measure that should be adopted is to reduce the number of clubs in the bag and thus make it more difficult for the players.
At the same time, creativity and strategy would be rewarded in many situations. However, the R&A and the USGA have announced that they are going to focus on cutting distance through a change of the ball. Of course, from now on these institutions, after launching their proposal, will enter a period of study and conversations with all the sectors involved in the game.
Towards the end of the year it will be decided if all this goes ahead. In any event, if the change to a particular ball type is approved, this rule would not take effect until January 1, 2026 to allow time for the transition.
Obviously, for all this to come together, the R&A and the USGA will have to agree with the main circuits, because without them, changing a rule will not go anywhere. These, in turn, are the ones who will find it easier to attract the players and the different brands that develop material.
Some have already shown their rejection that something elementary like a ball has its version only for male professionals. In fact, the pushback from the amateur community could be notable for the R&A and USGA announcement.
Do tennis, soccer or handball amateurs play with different balls or balls? There are also many unknowns, such as what will happen in the tournaments that are the prelude to professionalism, for example. At what point in training is the change to ‘professional ball’ made? The Pga Tour has stated in this regard: “We will continue our extensive independent analysis on this issue and will collaborate with the USGA and The R&A, as well as with our members and industry partners, to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal.
The Tour remains committed to ensuring that future solutions benefit the game, without negatively affecting the circuit itself, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.” As we can see, the American circuit has not refused to study this idea, as has the PGA of America (Professional Golfers Association of America), which, however, is concerned about how the entry of a new ball rule may fit into various tournaments aimed at professionalism, which are not few. There are still many conversations required to reach a meeting point.
Source: Tennis World USA