Hot topic: Curb the ball or grow the rough?

A key talking point at next week’s, fourth major of the year, the US PGA Championship at Baltusrol, is bound to be the golf ball.

It’s nearly six months since the USGA and R&A contacted the manufacturers requesting them to submit prototype golf balls that will fly and roll 15-20 yards shorter than standard.

The authorities believe that the traditional, classic courses like Baltusrol, Pinehurst, Sandwich, St Andrews and even Augusta National, are being overwhelmed by new technology.

And more and more players are reaching astonishing distances previously only achieved by Tiger Woods and John Daly.

The time has come, they believe, to stop adding yardage by extending tees and start reining back the ball.

Drivers have been restricted by the amount of flexibility allowed in the clubface but players are getting fitter and stronger so the ball is all that’s left, they claim, to work on.

Said the USGA senior technical director Dick Rugge in a memo to ball-makers: "We believe it’s appropriate to give golf ball manufacturers an opportunity to participate in the research project and become involved in the rule change process if that becomes necessary.

"We expect that testing balls made to conform to the reduced limits will enable an appropriate evaluation of how a reduced distance golf ball would affect playing of the game."

Organisers of the US Masters, who originally suggested having an exclusive restricted-distance ball for use only at Augusta National, are understood to be fully behind the project, results from which are expected by the end of the year.

While some manufacturers are behind any planned restrictions, specifically for equipment used in professional tournaments, others believe it’s a knee jerk reaction on behalf of the authorities.

For example Dean Snell, senior director for research and development of golf balls at TaylorMade-Maxfli believes the focus on the ball is short-sighted.

Golfers, specifically those at the elite level now swing faster with longer clubs and less fear, he says.

"The key change is that Tour level balls now spin off the driver just like two-piece distance balls. It’s not some new, enhanced ball speed characteristic," says Snell.

His alternative is to reduce the width of fairways.

"Give the top players challenges by cutting the fairways differently in that 290-320 range. If you want to try to hit it 340, you can. But if you don't hit it straight, then you could be in trouble. To make a change to the golf ball is very tough. It's a lot easier to grow some rough."

How will this affect the average golfer? Will we be forced to use geared-down balls in club medals in the future? Do we care?

Tell us on the forum by responding to the thread below.