Weeks After Massive Controversy, Disruptive LIV Golf Fires a Staunch Warning Through the Voice of a Veteran

Like any other sport, golf has a system of regulations that stands to promote consistency and fair play. The distance that modern golf balls may travel has become a subject of increasing concern among the game’s governing bodies. In order to restore the game’s equilibrium, there have been suggestions to make some new rules. The suggestions concern the introduction of a ball rollback regulation, which would restrict how far golf balls can travel.

The proposed ball rollback rule has not yet been formally adopted, but discussions are ongoing. The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A, which jointly govern the rules of golf, have formed a working group to study the issue and explore possible solutions.

LIV Golf’s stand on the ball rollback issue

If a ball rollback rule is eventually adopted, it would likely have a significant impact on the game of golf. Golfers would have to modify their methods and techniques to account for the shorter distance that their shots would go. The ball rollback rule has already drawn criticism from certain players. The players contend that it would change the game and make it less exciting to play and watch. Not just the players, but also the golf leagues have spoken against it. The golf broadcaster and former professional golfer David Feherty recently expressed the stand of LIV Golf on the rollback issue.

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

On LIV Golf’s broadcasting video, Feherty said that if there’s a ball rollback, they might not adopt the local rule. In the broadcasting video, Feherty said, “I am worried about the ruling bodies doing something about the golf ball.” He further added, “It occurs to me to wonder how a change back to a slower ball would affect our players at LIV. I doubt that anything happens if we opted out of the proposed change.” Feherty made it clear that the Saudi-funded league is not going to adopt it, regardless of what others do. While backing the LIV Golf’s stand, Feherty said, “We’re [LIV] golf but louder, so golf but shorter doesn’t really fit.” 

Most players and the LIV Golf are already against the proposed changes. However, some players have backed the proposal too. They claim that it would help to reintroduce traditional elements like shot-making and strategic thinking, rather than an increased focus on distance.

What does LIV Golf’s stand bring?

The possibility of a ball rollback regulation has undoubtedly caused a variety of responses. While some people have supported the notion, others have expressed concern about how it would affect the game. LIV Golf has undoubtedly maintained that the proposed rule would have a negative effect on the game because it would prevent players from making far shots.

However, it should be noted that LIV Golf is a relatively young league. Being a new league does not wield the same degree of influence as the PGA Tour or European Tour. It remains to be seen what effect LIV Golf’s objection will have on the decision the USGA and R&A will make regarding the ball rollback rule in the upcoming months.

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