PGA Tour, Acushnet Release Statements in Response to USGA, R&A News About Proposal to Roll Back the Golf Ball

The PGA Tour released a statement in response to Tuesday’s USGA and R&A announcement of the proposal to reset the golf ball for elite golfers in 2026.

The game’s governing bodies plan to reduce the distance at elite level by changing the tests that must be passed for a ball to be considered rule-compliant. By increasing robot test speeds and changing other test parameters, the Governing Body will effectively require a slower, shorter golf ball to meet the Model Course Rule. It is then up to each event or tour to adopt the Model Local Rule.

The PGA Tour’s response said, “We continue to work closely with the USGA and The R&A on a number of initiatives, including the issue of removal. In relation to the notice to manufacturers announced today, we will continue our own comprehensive independent analysis of the issue and will work with the USGA and The R&A, as well as our members and industry partners to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal. The Tour remains committed to ensuring that any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole without negatively impacting the Tour, its players, or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”

Manufacturers and golf stakeholders have until August 14, 2023 to provide feedback on the proposed changes. If approved, the proposal would come into force on January 1, 2026.

Acushnet, which makes Titleist and FootJoy gear, also released a statement saying this branching would split golf between elite and recreational sports, creating confusion and breaking the connection that is part of the enduring fabric of the game.

“Playing by a consistent set of rules is an essential part of the game’s appeal, adds to its global understanding and appeal, and eliminates the inconsistency and instability that multiple sets of equipment standards would create,” said David Maher, President and CEO of Akusnet. “Association is a strong positive force in the game and we believe that sharing equipment would be detrimental to the long-term welfare of golf. As a result, we will actively participate in this conversation with governing bodies, global professional tours, PGA professional organizations, amateur federations and associations, and golfers to contribute to the continued enjoyment and growth of the game.”

The story goes on

If the testing changes are approved, equipment manufacturers will be required to produce elite player balls that meet a set of testing standards and other balls that meet the current set of club player testing standards.

While these proposed changes have yet to be approved, they could signal a major shift in the way professional golf is played and viewed.

Story originally appeared on GolfWeek