TaylorMade release statement over USGA, R&A golf ball rollback proposal

TaylorMade have released a statement about the proposals put forward by the R&A, USGA, to rollback the golf ball for elite competition from 2026.

Ben Smith

21 Mar 2023

TaylorMade release statement over USGA, R&A golf ball rollback proposal

TaylorMade have become the latest equipment manufacturer to release a statement about the USGA, R&A's plans to combat the game's biggest hitters.

In case you haven't heard, the golf world was bristling after the two governing bodies that write golf's rules outlined plans for elite players to use specially adapted golf balls that will not fly as far from 2026.

USGA chief executive Mike Whan and R&A boss Martin Slumbers have called for the implementation of a model local rule (MLR).

Related: Bryson rips 'atrocious' idea

The MLR would increase the test speed for golf balls used at elite competitions from the current 120mph to 127mph.

That all but assures that current golf balls would break the testing barrier of 320 yards.

The news has certainly been met with a mixed response. Justin Thomas went on a bit of a rant.

Titleist, understandably, weren't happy. Sam Burns joined those criticising the idea, describing it as 'silly'.

Bizarrely, Phil Mickelson doesn't have an opinion. Yet.

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Padraig Harrington, who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame later this year, is perhaps one of the rare voices who doesn't support bifurcation.

Roll the golf ball back for everyone, Harrington told Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio recently.

TaylorMade's statement, which you can read in full below, outlines how by using the same equipment, we can feel what it's like to be a pro.

We will never experience what it's like to throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl, or play in Madison Square Garden, they said.

But we can walk across the Swilcan Bridge like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and, for a brief moment, understand what it feels like to be one of them.

A spokesperson for TaylorMade said:

"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 spokesperson added:

"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"

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