Set for release in 2028 for professional golfers and two years later for recreational golfers, the USGA and R&A have begun implementing a Model Local Rule ball that aims for long-term stability of the sport. And Rory McIlroy has a take on the rollback ball. 

During his appearance on Fried Egg Golf just a day ago, McIlroy was asked for his opinion on the new ball after he confirmed he had tested them.

“If you talk to the players that say they’ve played or tried the rollback ball, and they’re critical of it, it’s usually people from one manufacturer. If you talk to others, I have a very good friend in Shane Lowry, that plays a certain brand of golf ball, and he noticed no difference at all.” 

The rollback golf ball will reduce driving distances for all golfers. And that is a major disappointment, especially for amateurs. Meanwhile, the professionals will likely have to adapt to the changes in the new equipment.

Under the new ball testing conditions, officials will test golf balls at a clubhead speed of 125 mph, with 2,200 RPM of spin and an 11-degree launch angle, compared to the current standard of 120 mph, 2,520 RPM, and a 10-degree launch angle.

“I think we’re frustrated as players and as an industry as well, because I think the lead time that these equipment companies have been given to figure it out by the time we play this ball in 2028, there’s not going to be a difference,” Rory McIlroy continued.

Manufacturers and the governing bodies are still in the R&D and testing phase. Yet, the USGA has confirmed that they're moving at 'full speed' to implement the equipment by 2028.

McIlroy went on, "It’s very hard for the governing bodies and the equipment regulators to stay ahead of the equipment manufacturers, because the equipment manufacturers have more money to do R&D and test, and get around the regulations."

Companies like TaylorMade, Topgolf, Callaway Brands, and Bridgestone Golf have already issued statements, indicating their continuous innovations within the new parameters. And by the time the players get to handle the rollback golf balls, they wouldn’t be able to mark a difference. 

Industry discussions around the proposed rollback have been extensive. The USGA and R&A say the change aims at addressing concerns over increasing driving distances. But what have the USGA officials said about the new ball testing rule?

Officials Share Rory McIlroy’s Observation

USGA’s managing director, John Spitzer, claimed that over the years, the launch angle went up and the spin went down. And the longest players are not even on the Tour. Some of them are in colleges, while the rest might be juniors. The new testing standards target these players specifically, and the USGA is attempting to stay ahead in this area.

Meanwhile, Thomas Pagel, the USGA’s chief governance officer, said the organization decided in line with collegiate competitions, state and junior amateurs, and PGA professionals.

“We are committed to minimizing the impact on the recreational game, and that ultimately led us to the conclusion of that 125 mph,” he confirmed. But will there be an impact? 

Pagel seemed confident. “We don’t want to downplay that. People are going to feel challenged, feel it. There’s going to be an impact. But the reality is we’re confident in our estimates that this will have a minimal impact to the recreational game and for the recreational game,” he claimed.

But what do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Krushna Pattnaik

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi