Callaway issue immediate response to latest huge news

Callaway give a lengthy statement in response to the golf ball rollback plans from 2028. 

Callaway against golf ball rollback but ready to conform to new rules
Callaway against golf ball rollback but ready to conform to new rules

Callaway has posted a lengthy statement to confirm they were fully against plans to rollback the golf ball but will now work together with golf's governing bodies to conform to the new rules in 2028. 

The R&A and USGA today confirmed they will be updating the testing conditions for golf ball conformance from January 2028 at Tour level.

Callaway issue immediate response to latest huge news

Existing golf balls approved for conformance in 2027 will then continue to be used by recreational golfers until January 2030 to give golfers, manufacturers and retailers additional time to adjust. 

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Callaway President and CEO Chip Brewer sent an email to GolfMagic following today's update to confirm the brand would have preferred bifurcation but that ultimately the company will now get to work on redesigning and implementing new golf balls successfully to conform to the new rules by 2028. 

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Here is Callaway's response in full: 

"Topgolf Callaway Brands respects the perspectives of the governing bodies and knows they are acting in what they believe is in the best interest of the game. However, when viewing the same data, we have consistently communicated that we would not have chosen to roll the ball back and we would have preferred bifurcation over a change across the board. 
"Having said that, we would like to thank and compliment the USGA and R&A for their approach and process in making this decision. Throughout this process, we believe they have been open and thorough in their analysis. They took the time to actively seek input from multiple stakeholders, including us, on multiple occasions and levels. They clearly listened and were thoughtful in their responses; and, when they deemed it appropriate, they modified their approach in ways that benefitted both the game and the industry that supports it. Along these lines, we appreciate the lead time the ruling bodies have provided to conform to the new rule. This will give us time to redesign and implement new products successfully. They also modified the testing protocols to avoid unnecessary testing ambiguity. Perhaps most importantly, they sought to minimize the impact on the end consumer by providing an adequate grace period for the transition in recreational golf. Certainly, all leading ball manufacturers, including Callaway Golf, will bear some added expense associated with redesign and tooling; however, there also likely will be new opportunities to differentiate which we look forward to.



"Undoubtedly, there will be a lot of further conversation around this subject; particularly regarding whether this decision is good for the game and if all parties associated with the game will adopt the new regulations. In the end, we believe the game will be best served by us all aligning behind a common set of rules and standards. Therefore, while we will always participate actively in the debate; when a final decision is made, we will align behind it. The game at large has never been stronger and we look forward to being a major part of growing both on and off course golf moving forward."

What do you make of the R&A and USGA's plans to rollback the golf ball? Will it ruin your enjoyment of the game or are you happy with the decision? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.

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