USGA chief hits back at ‘ambulance chasers’ leading rollback ‘frenzy’

Today’s announcement from governing bodies that the golf ball will be rolled back has been met with widespread disapproval.

The R&A and USGA have confirmed that the landmark rule change will affect both professional and recreational golfers.

The rollback, which will start for professionals in 2028 and amateurs in 2030, will make almost every popular golf ball on the market today non-conforming in the Rules of Golf.

Balls that do conform will be up to 15 yards shorter in drive distance at the elite level and up to five yards shorter for most recreational golfers.

And USGA chief Mike Whan has addressed critics of the rollback, claiming some are driving an inaccurate ‘frenzy’.

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Speaking to Golf Channel, he said: “There’s going to be a lot of ambulance chasers and alarmists to make this seem so much worse than it really is.

“We’ve run those stats, we ran it by an independent, third-party ball expert, three different ball companies, two of which quickly came back to us and said we agree with your estimate, so I don’t want a few loud voices that are trying to get more clicks and more viewers and more phone calls to drive a frenzy that quite frankly just isn’t based on fact.”

Several tour pros have shared contrasting views on the decision, with many arguing against the reduction in distance.

Rickie Fowler has labelled the move a ‘huge step back’, while major champion Keegan Bradley believes it is a ‘monstrous’ decision.

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A joint statement from the R&A and USGA read: “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.”

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A, said: “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future for golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities.”

The game’s longest hitters are expected to lose between 13 and 15 yards in driving distance, while average tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards.

The average LET or LPGA Tour player will see a reduction of 5-7 yards.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.