For comments: ben.alberstadt@golfwrx.com

Good Wednesday morning, golf fans, as ball rollback talk has dominated the golf work over the past 24 hours.

1. The official word…”Distance Proposal Includes Model Local Rule for Elite Competitions”

From the USGA’s website…”The USGA and The R&A have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organizers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.”

• “The MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf.”

• “The proposal notice…was sent to golf equipment manufacturers on March 13, following the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures established by the governing bodies in 2011. Manufacturers and golf stakeholders can provide feedback until Aug. 14, 2023. If adopted, the proposal would take effect on Jan 1, 2026.”

• “Golf balls that conform to the MLR must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus 3 yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration setup of 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2,220 rpm) as part of this proposal.”

• “All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120 mph, and a calibration setup of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second – 2,520 rpm). The current ODS limit of 317 yards will remain unchanged and would be applied to both testing setups.”

2. The tour’s fastest swinger says…

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”Brandon Matthews, who leads the Tour in average clubhead speed (126.6 mph) and ranks second in average driving distance (320.4 yards), responded to Tuesday’s news that the USGA and R&A were attempting to curb hitting distance with a proposal that would modify the testing conditions for golf balls used in elite competition via model local rule by January 2026.”

• “I think it was a long time coming,” Matthews told Golf Channel from the Valspar Championship. “You know, these golf balls nowadays, technology’s so good, right? Manufacturers did everything they could to make sure the golf ball goes straight and far, right? So, I think it’s going to create a lot more imagination and a lot more creativity that used to be in the game instead of just hitting it far and straight.”

3. PGA Tour response

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

4. Acushnet (parent company of Titleist) response

“The sport of golf has advanced and evolved over the years thanks to a thoughtful balance between innovation and tradition. One of golf’s unifying appeals is that everyone in the game plays by the same set of rules, can play the same courses and with the same equipment.  Golfers can watch professionals and compare themselves to the world’s best, aspiring to hit the same shots.  This unification links the professional and recreational games, enriches the connection and viewing experience of the professional game, and contributes to golf’s momentum, unprecedented growth and promising future.

• “The USGA and R&A have announced a Notice and Comment to manufacturers proposing a potential rule change to golf ball testing that results in a Model Local Rule (MLR) that provides for reduced distance golf balls intended for professional and elite amateur competitions and a different set of rules for all other play. This bifurcation would divide golf between elite and recreational play, add confusion, and break the linkage that is part of the game’s enduring fabric.

• “‘Golf is an aspirational sport, and we believe at its very best when equipment and playing regulations are unified. Golf’s health and vibrancy are at historically high levels,’ said David Maher, President and Chief Executive Officer, Acushnet Company. ‘As we see it, existing golf ball regulations for Overall Distance and Initial Velocity are highly effective. During the past two decades, PGA Tour average course playing length has increased by less than 100 yards and scoring average has remained virtually flat. Average PGA Tour clubhead speed of 114.6 mph in 2022 was well below the current 120 mph and proposed 127 mph testing conditions. The proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem.’

• “Under the proposed guidelines, events that adopt this MLR would require players to use a substantially shorter golf ball, similar in distance to what was available in the 1990s.  The performance changes of any rolled back ball would impact every shot in the round. Players would also be required to adapt to changes in equipment with some players disadvantaged over others by this disruption. Golf ball bifurcation would invite confusion as to what level of competition would use the MLR products and how to effectively manage and officiate. In addition, multiple versions of golf ball models in the market would be confusing to golfers.

• “‘Playing by a unified set of rules is an essential part of the game’s allure, contributes to its global understanding and appeal, and eliminates the inconsistency and instability that would come from multiple sets of equipment standards,’ continued Maher. ‘Unification is a powerfully positive force in the game, and we believe that equipment bifurcation would be detrimental to golf’s long-term well-being. As a result, we will actively participate in this conversation with the governing bodies, worldwide professional tours, PGA Professional organizations, amateur associations and federations, and golfers, in an effort to contribute to the continued enjoyment and growth of the game'”

5. PGA of America response

“As we have previously stated to the USGA and the R&A, we are strongly opposed to any rules changes that will make the game less fun for recreational golfers. 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. We are not in favor 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 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.”

6. Bridgestone response

“Bridgestone is proud of our long standing and cooperative relationship with the USGA and R&A. We believe the game of golf benefits from the leadership and guidance of the governing bodies. Regarding the proposed Model Local Rule, we appreciate the transparency of the process that has brought us to this point.”

• “Golf is enjoying a significant growth phase and is more popular than ever. We are concerned that the proposed rule changes could confuse and dampen the enthusiasm of millions of new participants to our game. We are pleased that the proposed changes do not appear to be aimed at recreational players. Bridgestone has always been a leader in golf ball technology and innovation, and we are confident that our superior engineering capabilities will allow us to continue to push the envelope of golf ball performance for recreational players while also making the best possible golf ball for elite competitions.”

• “We will closely study the proposed changes and communicate our point of view directly to the USGA and R&A.”

7. LPGA response

“The LPGA is appreciative of the leadership and stewardship of the USGA and The R&A on a variety of topics, including distance. At this time, we do not see distance as a hindrance toward the growth of the LPGA Tour or to the courses on which we can compete. We intend to explore and examine this proposal during the comment period and beyond from all angles. As always, we will act in accordance with what is best for our players, our partners, our Tour, our fans and the women’s game overall. We are committed to ensuring the golf course is an equitable place for everyone, and our focus will be on helping grow the women’s game and providing equal opportunities for girls and women of all ages.”

8. Tiger visits Augusta

Bob Harig for SI…”Tiger Woods was not ready to get back to competitive golf last week at the Players Championship, but he was able to get to Augusta National.”

• The five-time Masters champion played the course on Thursday, according to a source who requested anonymity.

• It is common practice for players who are in the Masters field to take advantage of the perk that allows them to visit prior to tournament week. Woods played a practice round a week prior last year along with his son, Charlie. It was not clear who played with Woods this time.

9. Photos from Valspar

• Check out all of our galleries from this week’s event.