“It’s for the greater good of the game,” 3x major champion Padraig Harrington gives surprising take on golf ball rollback decision

Padraig Harrington has shared his thoughts on the golf ball rollback and supported the decision by the governing bodies.

“It’s for the greater good of the game,” 3x major champion Padraig Harrington gives surprising take on golf ball rollback decision

Padraig Harrington (Image via The Guardian)

The world of golf has seen several huge developments take place this year. While the stunning move of Jon Rahm to LIV Golf continues to haunt some fans, a new decision is likely to impact the game in the distant future. The USGA and R&A recently officially announced the golf ball rollback leading to wide backlash from several golfers. However, three-time major champion Padraig Harrington has given a surprising take on this.

As per the announcement by the golf governing bodies, new balls will be tested from the 2028 season. This new decision aims to lower the travel distance of the golf balls. Some prominent names including Paige Spiranac made their voices heard and claimed no one wanted this. Despite this, there have also been some who have welcomed this decision. Harrington seems to be one of the team.

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The Irish golfer has no shortage of experience of playing in difficult courses. As he geared up for the upcoming PNC Championship, he was approached about this topic by Christopher Powers of Golf Digest. During this conversation, the PGA Tour Champions member claimed that this decision was necessary and was done for the “greater good‘ of the sport.

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We all know a golf course that we grew up on that has had to change its golf holes... because the ball is just going too far... It goes off the golf course, it pitches in the middle of other fairways. It's dangerous. They have to change the holes. So, I know there is a bit of pain involved... but it's for the greater good of the game.
Padraig Harrington as a part of his answer through Golf Digest.

Padraig Harrington drops critical take regarding LIV Golf

Over the past few days, the name of LIV Golf has been on the rise. The move of Jon Rahm to them has been a major reason for it. While his move is likely to attract more viewers, Padraig Harrington has claimed that he wants LIV Golf to do better and try to receive the Official Golf World Rankings Points (OWGR).

Padraig Harrington
Padraig Harrington (Image via Pioneer Press)

The LIV Golf unlike the other tours plays 54-holes (three rounds). This has been one of the major reasons why they do not receive the points. The Irish golfer has now expressed his thoughts on this and said that this is not the right way for them.

I don’t want to see any player excluded from the world rankings. But I still think LIV needs to do more to get world ranking points. I don’t think a 54-hole closed event is right.
Padraig Harrington on LIV Golf and OWGR via Sports Illustrated.

While Harrington’s point may seem like a dig at the LIV Golf to few, the breakaway tour has on their side tried to get the points. Their application was rejected recently. There have also been reports that the Saudi-funded tour may try to expand their game and match the 72-hole format. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this leaving fans to wonder whether they will follow it or not in the future.

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