PGA Tour refuses to commit to golf ball rollback rule

The PGA Tour has responded to the golf ball rollback announced earlier today by the R&A and the USGA.

Its position? Undecided.

The US-based circuit has said it intends to continue its own “extensive independent analysis” into hitting distance before deciding whether or not to implement the proposed Model Local Rule.

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The game’s governing bodies have pitched the idea of limiting golf balls in elite competitions in order to, as R&A CEO Martin Slumbers put it, “protect the inherent qualities of the sport and reduce the pressure to lengthen courses.”

It is understood that that the changes – which will come into effect in January 2026 at the earliest – could reduce hitting distances capable by between ten and 15 yards for the longest players with the fastest clubhead speeds.

Both organisations intend to implement the new rule, meaning that The Open and US Open will both feature limited golf balls from 2026.

However, it appears the PGA Tour is not completely sold on the idea.

In a statement, it said: “We continue to work closely with the USGA and The R&A on a range of initiatives, including the topic of distance.

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“Regarding the Notice to Manufacturers announced today, we will continue our own extensive independent analysis of the topic and will collaborate with the USGA and the R&A, along with our membership and industry partners, to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal.

“The tour remains committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole, without negatively impacting the tour, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”

The PGA of America has adopted a similar position.

In a statement, they said: “Regarding this specific area of interest, we are pleased that there is no longer a focus on changing or modifying the ball or clubs that recreational players may use.

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“We are not in favour of bifurcation and do not anticipate individual club’s implementing such a Model Local Rule as it is meant for elite players.

“In regards to the US PGA Championship, 2026 is still a long way off and until we know the specifics of the proposed Model Local Rule we are not in a position to make that determination.”

Augusta National Golf Club, which runs The Masters, has made no comment so far.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor