USGA and R&A officially ANNOUNCE golf ball rollback, changes to implement from 2028

The golf ball rollback aims to reduce the distance the ball travels after being hit by professional golfers.

USGA and R&A officially ANNOUNCE golf ball rollback, changes to implement from 2028

USGA CEO Mike Whan (Pic Credit: San Diego Union-Tribune)

A few days after they expressed their desire to inform about this proposal, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and R&A finally announced the golf ball rollback. The governing bodies released a statement on Wednesday to confirm this.

In their joint statement, the two bodies claimed that the changes would kick from January 2028. This though will not be limited to professional golfers only as the rule will be introduced at amateur levels in 2030.

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As per the new conditions, the ball will be tested at a speed of 125 mph (around 183 mph ball speed) on a spin rate of 2200 rpm and a launch angle of 11 degrees. The current existing conditions see the ball being tested at 120 mph (around 176 mph ball speed) with a spin rate of 2520 rpm and a 10-degree launch angle.

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The new rule which will limit the distance the ball travels has received a lot of backlash from fans. They are though some including Rory McIlroy who have welcomed this change. The current World No. 2 golfer took to his X account recently and supported the rule while claiming he did not understand the anger of the fans. USGA CEO Mike Whan in the statement said that they had been “driven” to do what is right for the game.

Governance is hard. And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn't do enough to protect the game long-term. But from the very beginning, we've driven to do what is right for the game, without bias.
USGA CEO Mike Whan in their statement on golf ball rollback.

PGA Tour opposes golf ball rollback decision by USGA and R&A

Following the announcement by the USGA and R&A regarding the golf ball rollback, all eyes turned towards the PGA Tour. They along with the PGA of America, have opposed this new golf ball rollback undertaken by the two governing bodies.

Jay Monahan
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan (Pic Credit: Imago)

In a letter sent to its members signed by Commissioner Jay Monahan, the tour claimed that they believed this was not in the best interest of the game. Meanwhile, the PGA of America said they will oppose any changes that could dampen the feelings of the fans and golfers.

We believe a Model Local Rule related to golf ball conformance is not in the best interests of the game.
PGA Tour on the golf ball rollback decision.

These new changes are likely to stir up more debates in the upcoming days. The fans are looking forward to what more twists and turns this development could provide as the sport of golf enters a new era.

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