TaylorMade Golf is seeking the feedback from golfers around the world in relation to the proposed USGA/R&A rollback of the golf ball for professional tour and elite amateur events.
The equipment giants have joined Titleist in issuing a response to the distance curbing measures proposed by the game’s governing bodies, inviting opinions from regular punters around the wider impacts of any such move.
The statement read: “The USGA and R&A recently announced a proposal to create a Model Local Rule where highly skilled golfers must use a different golf ball from 2026 onwards. This will introduce bifurcation into our sport, meaning that you – the golfer – will play with different equipment than the professionals.
“We believe a large part of golf’s appeal is this underlying sense of: “I can do that, too.” And using the same equipment as the pros gives us a more accurate feel for how talented these players are. Most of us will never know what it’s like to play in Madison Square Garden, throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl, or score the game-winning goal in a World Cup final, but we can go to St Andrews, walk across the Swilcan Bridge and for a moment feel what it’s like to be a professional. Walk in their shoes, play the same courses, and use the same equipment. It’s all part of why we love this sport.
“The USGA and R&A have provided a window in which all manufacturers can provide feedback on this proposal and its potential impact. As we absorbed this announcement and tried to understand the why, as well as the impact, all of our conversations came back to one place – you, the golfer. We want your voice to be heard, so please, let us know what you think. We invite you to be part of the conversation and to be part of our feedback to the USGA and R&A: Take the survey here.”
The USGA and R&A issued an August 13, 2023 deadline for all feedback to the proposal, which, if ratified, will become part of the Rules of Golf on January 1, 2026.
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