What Are the Three Major Takeaways From the Official Golf Rollback Policy Announcement?

The golf ball rollback policy has ‘bifurcated’ the golf world. We are not talking about the ball bifurcation between amateurs and pros. The highly controversial decision has split the golf world in two. Regardless, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal & Ancient (R&A) went ahead with the proposal. Taking stock of the situation, a few things come to the forefront.

The rollback policy comes as a result of increasing driving distance and compelling golf courses to make unsustainable modifications. So, from 2028, the regulatory authorities will test golf balls at 125mph swing speed (it’s 120mph now) with an 11-degree angle and 2,200 rpm spin. If it travels beyond the 317-yard limit—no change there—the ball will be deemed non-conforming to the R&A and USGA rules. What will be its ramifications, and why are golfers riled about the change?

Three takeaways from the golf ball rollback policy announcement

One crucial thing to remember is that the yardage loss will vary with the swing speed. The lower the swing speed, the lesser the yardage loss, and vice versa. While the rule does threaten to throw the golf world into uncharted territories, here are three clear takeaways from the announcement.

The average distance reduction on the PGA Tour

The ball travel distance will be reduced by a good 13–15 yards for the strongest hitters on the PGA Tour and 9–11 yards for average hitters. This estimate, though, totally contradicts Keegan Bradley’s claim. The six-time PGA Tour winner revealed that while testing with the modified balls, his driving distance was 40–50 yards shorter.

Rory McIlroy, who tops the chart with an average drive distance of 326.3 yards, has lent his strong support behind this. Whereas Justin Thomas, whose average ball speed is 308.5 yards, is furious about the golf ball rollback policy. What about the female golfers, though?

A surprise turn of events for LPGA Tour pros

On the LPGA Tour, Germany’s Polly Mack is the only golfer with over 280 yards of average driving distance. Understandably, in their March announcement, both R&A and USGA expressed that the rule would only apply to men’s games. However, that is no longer the case.

Surprisingly, this time the regulatory authorities decided to bring the female circuit under their fold as well. As per the official announcement, the female golfers will see a 5-7 yard reduction in their ball flight distance.

While understandably the rollback policy affects the two major tours, the LPGA and the PGA Tour, it also has a lasting effect on amateurs. However, they have it easier than the pros!

Bifurcation for amateurs?

The policy will be universal. Hence, amateurs will play with the same balls as pros like Tiger Woods. This time R&A and USGA have done away with the Model Local Rule, which allowed bifurcatons. The top amateurs will get a taste of the low-flight balls alongside the pros in 2028. However, for recreational golfers, the golf ball rollback doesn’t come into effect until 2030.

Read More: “It’s All Just…”: Unfazed Nelly Korda Makes a Simple Verdict to Ease One’s Way Out of the Ball Roll Back Shenanigans

This is not the first time the USGA has taken the heat from golfers. Earlier, they banned anchored putting, which forced many golfers, including a disgruntled Keegan Bradley, to change their swing. Once more, the likes of Bradley have to make some modifications to their game due to the golf ball rollback policy.