Golf ball rollback: Equipment brands respond to rule change

Golf equipment manufacturers have started responding to bombshell news that the game’s governing bodies are rolling back the golf ball.

The R&A and USGA have laid out proposals for a game-changing universal golf ball rollback, that will see distance controlled not just for the game’s elite, but also for regular amateurs. The rollback will start for professionals in 2028 and amateurs in 2030.

“The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimising the impact on the recreational game,” a joint statement read.

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It has been explained by the sport’s authorities that a change to golf ball testing conditions will see a reduction of 13-15 yards in distance for the top male professionals.

The revised testing conditions will see clubhead speeds rise from 120mph to 125mph, with a a spin rate of 2,200 rpm and a launch angle of 11 degrees.

The longest hitters on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf are expected to see a reduction of 13-15 yards in driving distance.

Elite male players are set to for a reduction of 9-11 yards, with a 5-7 yard reduction anticipated for an average LET or LPGA player.

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Meanwhile, the impact for recreational players is described as “minimal”, with regular amateurs expected to lose five yards or less.

Here’s a flavour of the responses from equipment manufacturers so far…

Topgolf Callaway Brands

“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 back back and we would have preferred bifurcation over a change across the board.” – Chip Brewer – Topgolf Callaway Brands President & CEO

Titleist

“At a time when interest in golf is vibrant (2023 will mark the 6^th consecutive year in which the number of golfers has grown), golf courses are broadly adding forward tees, back tees are used for less than 5% of rounds, and the average carry distances for female and male golfers are 147 yards and 215 yards, respectively, it is appropriate and necessary that the merits of any proposed equipment rollback are thoroughly evaluated in pursuit of a high degree of consensus and support around meaningful change. 

“As we consider today’s R&A and USGA announcement against recent feedback provided by the World Alliance of PGA’s and the PGA TOUR, we are also concerned that the golf ball rollback overly impacts golfers and does not fully reflect the input of those closest to the game. There have been requests to align on what data is used and how it is used to draw conclusions prior to any equipment changes being made.  Many important stakeholders do not see distance as a problem the way the governing bodies do, and therefore come to differing conclusions about how to proceed to ensure the best possible outcome for the sport.

“We support the position of the PGA TOUR and others that there are many areas of focus at the elite level, including initiatives related to golf course setup and conditioning, and other competitive variables which, if desired, can limit the effects of distance while also providing the opportunity for a diverse skill set to succeed at the highest level.

“It is also Acushnet’s position that existing golf ball regulations are effective and stand the test of time.  Golf balls are already tightly controlled for initial velocity, overall distance, size, weight, and uniformity.  As a result of existing initial velocity and overall distance regulation, ball speeds have been moderated as was the intent of the rule. 

“We note that the mean of the fastest 1% of measured clubhead speeds on the PGA Tour was flat from 2019-2021 and declined in 2022 and 2023. The mean of the fastest 5%, 10%, 20% and 50% of measured clubhead speeds has been flat since 2017. We consider that the average course playing length on the 2023 PGA TOUR is less than 7,200 yards, just as it has been every year since 2004. We also note that U.S. golf courses built during the period 2010-2020 averaged 6,652 yards – 274 yards shorter than those built between 1990-2010, which is at odds with the notion that equipment has forced courses to expand. 

“Not all sports have endured from generation to generation the way golf has endured, and the governing bodies deserve credit for having effectively balanced the forces of tradition and technology. This has helped to preserve golf’s unified appeal and values while encouraging innovation that has helped to make the sport more relevant and enjoyable.

‘We believe that further collaboration and cooperation with the R&A, USGA and other stakeholders is critical prior to moving forward with such a significant equipment regulation change. We continue to advocate for stakeholders to convene to have a meaningful examination of this decision and its consequences, and to discuss alternatives as we look to protect golfers’ enjoyment of the game and the health of golf courses around the world to ensure golf’s promising future.” – David Maher, Acushnet CEO

TaylorMade Golf

“As a brand that prioritises improving product performance for golfers of all skill levels, the decision to proceed with the golf ball rollback is disappointing. While appreciative of the opportunity to have a seat at the table and a voice in the debate, we feel like the rollback is simply disconnected from what golfers believe is best for the game.”

“Throughout the decision-making process, the USGA provided a platform to express our views, provide new data sources, and engage in candid discussions. In the spirit of collaboration, we acknowledge and respect the rules that form an integral part of our game’s fabric, even when we disagree with them. Looking ahead, as the new golf ball standards come into effect in 2028 for professional golfer and 2030 for amateurs, we assure everyone, at every level of our game, that we will be well-prepared to navigate these changes.

“Our commitment to innovation remains unwavering. As with every product we make, we will work tirelessly to find alternative pathways to make them better and we will continually push boundaries within the parameters set by the rules.” – David Abeles, CEO

Bridgestone Golf

“We are aware of and understand the passionate responses on both sides regarding the USGA announcement on the distance roll back of golf balls. While we would prefer that any new rules did not impact recreational players, we believe further commentary is no longer productive. At this point, we need to concentrate on creating conforming products that allow both professionals and amateurs to play their best golf.”

“Bridgestone Golf has total confidence in our ability to design and manufacture the world’s best golf balls, regardless of the paramaters, and our team of over 700 polymer engineers will develop models that provide optimal performance under the new rules for the full range of players.” – Dan Murphy, President and CEO