What Is the Model Local Rule? As the Golf Ball Rollback Debate Takes Off Once Again, All You Need To Know About the USGA?s and R&A?s Brainchild

Earlier this year, the USGA and the R&A proposed the Model Local Rule (MLR) at an elite level. But this has left many Tours worldwide opposing the idea in sync. The Golf Channel acquired a copy of the memo in which the PGA of nations like the USA and New Zealand voiced their opinion against this proposal.

Together, they have all agreed that golf is at a good place in global recognition owing to the rise in interest among people. The Tours fear that the new policy has the potential to “seriously interrupt the current momentum in the game.” They further believe that if imposed, the rule could be “fundamentally damaging and detrimental in the long run.??So what is this rule that threatens to shake the very foundations of golf?

The Model Local Rule: The USGA’s fix for the golfers’ massive drives

According to the official website of R&A, the MLR is an additional rule that Tours may embrace for regular play in competitions. It revolves around the manufacturing of golf balls that, on average, will reduce hitting distance by 14?15 yards. According to Mike Whan, the CEO of the USGA, this rule will not have an impact on the recreationality of the game, and he claims that the easiest way to define a boundary of any course in this case is with the help of stakes, painted lines, and the fences that already exist?in this case, the ball itself!

This rule, if imposed, will only be used in elite tournaments. Earlier in March, when the idea was proposed, the set date of implementation was announced as January 1, 2026, but as the topic caught fire again, the revolt has increased.

For the first time in golf history, the PGA around the world has assembled and is presenting a united front against the Model Local Rule. All echo the same sentiment that both governing bodies should hold out the execution of this rule for some time. They feel that there is a variation in the data presented by them, and this policy should not be implemented until more correct information has been gathered on the subject.

The confusion in the data presented by the bodies is indeed a matter of concern for the PGAs, who feel that unfair information could affect the decision. And for now, the head authorities are open for feedback.

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How are the USGA and the R&A responding to this backlash?

Replying to the Golf Channel, the R&A said, “We are currently in a notice and comment period where we are listening to views from throughout the golf industry.” They added that they value the suggestions and contributions made by the various PGAs around the world.

In an earlier interview with Golf Digest, the R&A CEO, Martin Slumbers, said the distance of the ball has moved further compared to 15 years ago, and hence rectification is necessary for the sustainability of the sport. As per him, only 3 possible solutions were there for this, them being: “We can bifurcate; you change the whole game; or you do nothing.”

Another bit he was clear on, though, was that “doing nothing is not an option.” However, now that the Tours not on board, it remains to be seen whether Slumbers and Whan will resort to another option!

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