Days Ahead of the Masters, Tiger Woods Ends All Debates on USGA’s Recent Announcement: ‘Should Have Happened A Long Time Ago’

On March 14, 2023, the USGA and R&A announced a proposal that would alter the testing conditions for golf balls used in the elite competition. It proposed that testing should be done via model local rule by January 2026, a move that would reduce hitting distances at the game’s highest levels. In a recent interview, 5 times Masters Champion, Tiger Woods shared his insights about the proposed rule. 

Tiger Woods’ take on golf ball rollback 

The existing testing criteria for golf balls involves measuring their performance at 120 mph of clubhead speed, 42 revolutions per second of spin, and a launch angle of 10 degrees, with some acceptable ranges of deviation. The suggested testing criteria would be 127 mph, 37 revolutions per second, and 11 degrees. If implemented, these adjustments would lead to a reduction in the average driving distance of elite golfers by approximately 14 to 15 yards, as per the governing bodies.

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Tiger Woods has expressed his support for the suggestion of using a shorter ball in top-level competitions, with the aim of maintaining access to the finest golf courses. Woods was clear to state his take on the new proposal. “It’s my take on it.”

Just a couple of days before the Masters, Woods mentioned that he has been an “advocate” of rolling back the ball. Woods said, “The guys are going to become more athletic. Everyone is going to get bigger, stronger, faster as the generations go on,” Upon asking his opinion on this proposal, Tiger Woods replied, “This should have happened a long time ago.” 

Woods was seen all in support of the new proposal. “I think if you roll the ball back a little bit, you’ll see that the better ball-strikers will have more of an advantage over the guys who miss it a little bit.”

Tiger Woods’ historic victories at Augusta National Club

Tiger Woods became the youngest golfer in history to win the green jacket in 1997. He set the record with his victory by 12 strokes. In 2001 and 2002, Woods achieved consecutive victories at The Masters, making him only the third player ever to win the event in back-to-back seasons. A standout moment in Woods’ career occurred in 2005 when he chipped in a shot on hole 16, watching as the ball rolled down a slope and ultimately dropped in, prompting exuberant cheers from the crowd. Additionally, Woods’ emotional triumph in 2019 marked his comeback to the uppermost tier of the sport and served as a reminder that with Tiger, one can never fully discount his ability to excel.

What is your take on the golf ball rollback proposal? Do you agree or disagree with Woods?

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