PGA of America Statement On The Golfball Rollback

PGA of America Statement On The Golfball Rollback

The PGA of America, with its 29,000 teaching and club professionals are at the heart of the REAL game of golf — that enjoyed by the 99% who are not playing professionally or in high end tournaments.

Note that the PGA of America, and the PGA TOUR are separate organizations. Too many of the Twitterati don’t seem ro realize this, especially when comparing the “PGA” to “LIV.”

I have never seen a USGA official at a course where they were not playing a championship. I do, however, see PGA Professionals nearly every time I tee it up, especially at my home course, Washtenaw Golf Club.

I haven’t actually had the chance to ask my local pros how they feel about the rollback, but the PGA of America has released a statement in which they are respectful to the USGA and R&A, but decidedly not happy with the new golf ball restrictions:

We remain opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying.  It appears recreational golfers will see a greater reduction in distance than we would advise. While this decrease has been lessened, we continue to recommend being more moderate on the swing speed change for the golf ball conformance test.

PGA of America Statement on Golf Ball Rollback

I had actually expected the statement to be somewhat stronger, considering that the PGA of America’s primary market is comprised of exactly the sort of “recreational golfer” they express concern for.

Still, it is comforting to know that the folk who are at the center of my golfing life have my back to some degree.

I will call again for the PGAs of America and other nations to step up to the plate and become an alternate governing body to the existing USGA and R&A dictatorships.

The complete PGA of America statement follows:

We appreciate that the USGA and R&A ran a collaborative and patient process over the past several years. We are particularly gratified that they heard our concerns regarding the significant operational challenges bifurcation would have presented and are no longer considering a local rule regarding the ball for elite players. We are also pleased that the proposed change to the ball has been delayed until 2028 for elite players and 2030 for recreational golfers. Given the important role our nearly 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals play in the recreational game, having more time to adjust to the new rule is helpful.

We remain opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying.  It appears recreational golfers will see a greater reduction in distance than we would advise. While this decrease has been lessened, we continue to recommend being more moderate on the swing speed change for the golf ball conformance test.

At this time, we continue to have concerns and look forward to continuing this important conversation and finding resolution with all of our golf industry partners.

We value our relationship with the USGA and R&A and respect their role as administrators of the Rules of Golf and the equipment standards of the game. We will continue to share our feedback on this, and any topic that affects our PGA of America Golf Professionals and the countless number of golfers they coach and welcome into the game each year.