For the first time, Phil Mickelson and his arch-nemesis have a chance to be on the same page. The much-maligned golf ball rollback policy hasn’t sat well with many, and the former Sports Illustrated author is one of them. Recently a tweet explored the irony behind the rules, that might cause a bifurcation system, and the famed critic lent his support to the mounting criticism.

R&A and USGA earlier proposed a set of rules that will change the testing criteria of golf balls. Whereas the reported, ‘non-conforming’ rule doesn’t entirely spell doom for the golfers, PGA Tour earlier opposed the rule. Whereas LIV Golf has not made an official announcement. But, Bryson DeChambeau expressed his staunch disapproval. Now the veteran sports journalist joins them in unison.

The rule change that riled almost everyone

R&A wants to curb the distance the ball travels. In the last few years, the ball traveling distance has increased in leaps and bounds. Compared to the 90s, when Tiger Woods was hailed for his looming tee shots that traveled over 300 yards at times, Rory McIlroy averaged 326.3 Yards this year. The average driving distance on the PGA Tour is 299.9 Yards.

There might be a time in the not-too-distant future that golf courses might need to be expanded. To stop that USGA and R&A brought the golf ball rollback policy. However, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan disapproved of it, along with many amateur and pro golfers. 

Michael Riley of Hack if Out Golf Podcast weighed on the matter and tweeted, “a solution to a problem relevant to the top .1% of golfers might be rejected by the very people for whom it might be relevant,” resulting in a bifurcation system where amateurs and pros will play on different golf balls. Alan Shipnuck responded to Riley’s tweet and lambasted the proposal saying, “This makes my brain hurt.” Adding further, the author of ‘LIV and Let Die’ said, “The new Murphy’s Law in golf is that if things can get cocked up they certainly will.” 

The rollback policy has faced criticism from various PGA Tour pros as well. Sam Burns, a five-time winner on the Tour, called out the policy as silly, and Justin Thomas went further by terming the decision “selfish.” Amidst the mounting criticism, USGA and R&A appear to go ahead with the controversial change.

What’s next in line for the golf ball rollback policy?

USGA and R&A will announce the final decision on the rollback policy early next week as primary reports indicate. The change of policy will include a reassessment of the Overall Distance Standard. 

Read More: USGA and R&A Tips Their Hats in Favor of Ball Rollback Despite Huge Outcry Against the Controversial Policy

Earlier golf balls were tested at 120 MPH swing speed on a 317-yard course. However, now the balls will be tested at 125 MPH speed. If a ball flies past the 317-yard limit, as most balls are likely to be, it will be discarded. Notably, the golf ball rollback policy will be left for the local governing bodies to decide. That means if LIV Golf chooses they can reject the rule.

In all likelihood, the PIF-funded league might not choose to adhere to the rule as players Bryson DeChambeau, one of the hardest hitters of the game, will be hurt in ways more than one. Nevertheless, R&A sanctioning a rule might have an impact on the breakaway league that they didn’t account for.

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