TaylorMade responds to golf ball rollback proposal

TaylorMade Golf, one of the giants in the golf industry, has released a statement on the proposed Model Local Rule, brought forward by the R&A and USGA.  

The Model Local Rule (MLR), which is due to be implemented in 2026, has caused a divide in the golf world, with influential figures already coming out with concerns over its implementation.

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Now, TaylorMade Golf has had their say, and they’re asking for feedback from golfers on the proposal. In a statement released today, TaylorMade emphasised that a large part of the appeal of the game of golf was the fact that amateurs players can do the same things as the pros. Using the example that most musicians will never get to play a venue like Madison Square Garden, but a golfer can walk across the Swilcan Bridge like the greats of the game. Their full statement is as follows:

“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.

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“The USGA and R&A have provided a window in which all manufacturers can provide feedback on this proposal and its potential impact.

Before we submit our feedback to the USGA and R&A, we want to hear from you, the golfers.

Take this short survey and let us know where you stand on the proposed new rule and let your voice be heard: https://t.co/fWF5QxBr9v pic.twitter.com/ckt94KZsUO

— TaylorMade Golf (@TaylorMadeGolf) March 21, 2023

“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.” 

Golfers are then invited to complete a survey, where respondents are asked whether they feel they understand the rollback proposal, whether it will impact their enjoyment of the professional game, and whether they agree with the MLR, amongst other things.

Golf’s governing bodies announced the proposal in a press conference last week, where they said the rule would not impact the vast majority of players, only impacting those who play elite level competition.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor