The golf ball rollback, and what it means for you
We’ve known it’s coming for some time, but after a considerable period of stalemate, it’s been confirmed that a universal golf ball rollback is happening, affecting professionals and amateurs alike. It’s a landmark decision by R&A and USGA, driven by the need to future-proof golf and golf courses.
The long and short of it is that, from January 2028 for pro golfers, and from 2030 for recreational golfers, most of the golf balls in circulation currently will no longer conform to golf rules. Recreational golfers can still use existing balls until January 2030, which means that for two years the rules will be bifurcated, giving manufacturers and retailers enough time to adjust.
Why are the changes needed?
As golf club technology has become more advanced, hitting distances are getting longer and traditionally designed golf courses can’t accommodate it anymore. The R&A’s Annual Distance Report says that hitting distances are increasing by around a yard per year, on average, putting some of the best golf courses in danger of becoming obsolete.
If that all feels a little ‘knee-jerk’ to you, perhaps this might put the changes into perspective: Augusta National reportedly spent around $25 million, buying land to lengthen the iconic Azalea because players were routinely able to hit mid-irons into the green. There aren’t many other golf courses with that sort of budget, so something had to change.
So, what are the changes?
The new rules dictate that golf balls, when struck at a robot-controlled swing speed of 125 mph (an increase from 120 mph), should not exceed a distance of 317 yards. This effectively keeps the 'Overall Distance Standard' (ODS) consistent while accommodating the higher swing speed by 5 mph.
Adjustments will also be made to current testing conditions for spin rate and launch angle - 2200 rpm for spin rate and 11 degrees for launch angle (currently 2520 rpm and 10 degrees, respectively).
Opinions on what impact this will have on driver hitting distances off the tee is divided, with some estimating 3-5 yards shorter and others saying it could be as much as or even more than 10 yards.
Mixed feelings…
The PGA is not happy about the changes, and feels that the increase to 125 mph is too much, and a more moderate adjustment would be enough. Keegan Bradley agrees: “For the amateur world to hit the ball shorter is monstrous. I can’t think of anything more stupid than that. I don’t think it’s very smart at all, especially when golf’s growing in popularity coming out of COVID.”
But Rory McIlroy has been an ardent defender of the changes, saying, “I don’t understand the anger about the golf ball rollback. It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability.” Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods are also in the ‘Pros who are pro-rollback’ gang.
With debate still raging on, it’s clear that this is a decision that is being met with mixed feelings. Only when the rules come into place will we have a better sense of the actual impact the rule changes have on hitting distances. So, watch this space, as they say!
And in the meantime, swot up on your knowledge with our handy and easy-to-understand article on the rules of golf.
