In March the R&A and USGA proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that would give competition organisers the option to use golf balls that have been tested under modified launch conditions to curb the impact of distance in the game.
Manufacturers and golf stakeholders are able to provide feedback until 14 August 2023 and, if adopted, the proposal would take effect in January 2026.
To summarise, golf balls that conform must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard limit of 317 yards (plus three yards tolerance) with a clubhead speed of 127 mph, 11 degrees of launch, and 2,200 rpm of spin. It’s thought that drives would be reduced by around 20-25 yards.
The MLR is intended only for elite competitions and will not impact recreational golf, if it does come in as golf would enter a new world of bifurcation.
This week the stars of the PGA Tour and the game’s rules makers met at Muirfield Village and, supposedly, the feedback was understandably lukewarm. The PGA Tour players, aside from Rory McIlroy, were opposed to the possible rule, likewise the manufacturers with Titleist commenting that ‘the proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem’.
Alternatively McIlroy claimed, in an exclusive with No Laying Up, that it might benefit him.
“For elite level play, I really like it. I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier. I think you’re gonna see people with more well-rounded games succeed easier than what the game has become, which is a bit bomb and gouge over these last few years. I think this is only gonna help the better player,” explained McIlroy.
“You know, it might help the longer player too, in some ways. But I think it’s going to help the overall professional game. I think making guys hit some long irons again, and some mid irons, and being able to hit every club in your bag in a round of golf. I can’t remember the last time when I’ve had to do that.”
Rory McIlroy unleashes a driver in Dubai
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The 2 ½-hour meeting included Mike Whan and Martin Slumbers, the chief executives of the USGA and R&A respectively, and they met with the PGA Tour’s 16-member Player Advisory Council (PAC), the policy board and Tour executives, including commissioner Jay Monahan.
There was a one-hour presentation from the USGA and R&A, who oversee the US Open and The Open, before separate presentations from three…
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