Mike Whan says golf ball rollback conversations continuing

LOS ANGELES – Jon Rahm sees the writing on the wall.

“The USGA and the R&A want to make a change to the ball to somehow protect the game, which is fine. If they think that’s the best decision, so be it,” he said.

But Rahm also has his qualms and pointed to LA Country Club, site of this week’s 123^rd U.S. Open, to highlight his concerns.

“It’s funny to me because how many of the tee boxes on this golf course will become obsolete if they change the golf ball? At least half would be unusable for the next I don’t know how many years,” he said. “They keep trying to protect from distance by adding distance to a golf course in a way where only long hitters are going to have a better chance to win. I don’t know how else to really explain it. If they want to roll it back, then so be it.”

The USGA and R&A in March proposed a Model Local Rule that would give competition organizers the option to require the use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf. The rule, which wouldn’t go into effect until 2026, is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf. Manufacturers and golf stakeholders can provide feedback until Aug. 14. But given the upheaval in the world of professional golf, should the process be delayed as was previously done during the height of COVID-19? USGA CEO Mike Whan said the process won’t be deterred by the PGA Tour’s recent agreement to form a commercial entity with the PIF.

“We started this in 2018,” Whan said. “It’s 2023 and we’re talking about implementing something not earlier than 2026. I was talking to a friend the other day who’s like, ‘Why are you rushing this through?’ I’m like, ‘How slow do we have to go?’ Started in ’18, talking about a ’26 implementation. He said to me, ‘Can’t you just slow this down?’ I’m like, ‘Slower than an eight-year process?’ ”

“I don’t know what the final outcome will be and what we’ll come in. If anybody feels like this is in a hurry I don’t think they’re really paying attention,” Whan added. “We’re talking about we’ve been back and forth in a listening process and we are now again, and we’ve told everybody recently that no earlier than 2026. We’re not talking about this season. We’re not talking about next season. We’re not talking about the season after that. I think if people feel rushed…