‘Really Do What’s Right’: Hours Ahead of 2023 U.S. Open, USGA CEO Mike Whan Provides His Stern Verdict on Controversial Golf Roll Back Rule

The golf world currently is submerged in a lot of things. From management to leagues to tournaments, numerous stories are being covered. Each front from its end has a new edition or change to offer that might benefit the game. This incorporates the governing bodies of golf as well.

As suggested in the month of March this year, USGA and R&A made a calculated proposal. The proposition was about the Model Local Rule. In other words, it provided the competition hosts with an opportunity to establish a mechanical system. In this, the golf ball would be hit by a machine-controlled arm at a speed of less than 130mph. It will ensure that the ball is rolled back by at least 15 yards. Now, according to the latest update, this new policy need not be delayed any further.

USGA CEO determined not to delay the process of the golf ball rollback rule

On Thursday before the big US Open commences, Golf Week published a pivotal announcement. The information came directly from the CEO of USGA who believes that there is no need to go slow concerning the process of the rollback rule. As per the reports, even the current uncertainty that looms over the game, would not be able to deter the process.

Read More: Amid Getting Severe Backlash For Ball Roll Back Controversy, USGA Suffers Another Major Blow

Whan strongly conveyed that the process is already quite slow in its application. The initiation that started in 2018 is about to be implemented in 2026, which gives the procedure good eight years before it’s fully implemented. When one of Whan’s friends asked the professional about why the USGA is rushing the process, the CEO’s reply was quite candid.

He informed the media, “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 by this, I worry for them because this is a pretty slow process.”

In addition to this, the Chief Executive apprised that the governing bodies feel a sort of responsibility to ensure everything goes fine. The real management is to ensure that no decision that the bodies make should hinder “some of the strongest pieces of the game“. Mike Whan is quite practical when it comes to this massive decision that will impact the game.

His practicality extended to understanding that no matter what, some of the individuals are going to be disappointed. It is something inevitable. But, they believed it is a commitment that needs to be made to improve the health of the game down the year for the coming years.

While many golfers oppose the new policy, governing bodies believe the move to be right

At the start of this month, a lengthy meeting was held between the PAC, equipment companies, and the two advisory bodies. As per the reports, the result of the action wasn’t as efficacious as it was meant to be. According to the chairman of PAC, Adam Scott, not many players are on board with this new policy. He and many other golfers believed that the move will have a strong effect on the manufacturers. Not only that it will also cost millions of dollars to be spent on R&D.

However, USGC had a different outlook toward the yet-to-implemented rule. The president of USGA, Fred Perpall said, “A lot of my friends that I would play golf with would say no one really wants this. Sometimes you have to have the courage to really do what’s right“. He believed this step to be important for the succeeding years of the game.

Despite his strong opinion, he admitted both the governing bodies have taken the feedback and it would be unfair to say that those haven’t “resulted in the change along the way“. The president further cleared that the aim was to add changes that will enhance the condition of the game. They supported the opinion that doing nothing is a “bad idea“. It will eventually hinder the growth of golf over the years.

Nonetheless, he accepted that the comments from those involved in the game is important. The governing entities will continue to listen to the remarks they have to offer. For how impactful and fruitful the new rule will be for the game, the golf world can only wait for it to be implemented in the future.

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What do you think of CEO Whan’s strong verdict? Let us know in the comments below.