Who Are the Top PGA Tour Pros In Support of the Debated Golf Rollback Policy?

The golf world has been stirred up a lot this entire year. Among many changes, the one that has attracted a lot of attention lately is the golf ball rollback policy. While the R&A and USGA have pushed towards implementing this new set of rules, the golf world stands divided on the matter. Many players have expressed their take on the policy openly. Let us take a look at the golfers backing the new decision.

Uncovering the big names in support of the golf ball rollback policy

The golf rollback policy aims at imposing certain restrictions on how far a golf ball can reach. More precisely, it seeks to impose a 317-yard mark with a three-yard tolerance on golf balls shot at a 127-mph swing speed.

The governing bodies had moved forward with a proposal to introduce a ‘bifurcation’ into the picture. It would divide the golf world into elite professionals and amateurs, and the rules would be implemented accordingly. However, due to the harsh criticism given by the golf world on the matter, the idea was earlier quashed, suggesting that it would lead to irreparable long-term side effects.

While this course of action has received a lot of pushback from the golf world and fans alike, some famous names from the golfing fraternity have risen to support the new pushback on the length of the golfer’s drive.

The golfers who have come in support of the golf ball rollback policy are:

1. Rory McIlroy

McIlroy’s choice to support the golf ball rollback policy for the upcoming seasons has received a large amount of attention from the rest of the golf world. The famous pro has been in support of the idea of bifurcation and has even called out the few elite pros and golf equipment giants who have risen in opposition to the aforementioned policy.

In McIlroy’s words, “The governing bodies presented us with that option earlier this year. Elite pros and ball manufacturers think bifurcation would negatively affect their bottom lines, when in reality, the game is already bifurcated…. Bifurcation was the logical answer for everyone, but yet again in this game, money talks.”

The 4X major champion’s harsh critique of the elitism involved in the game has led to many raised eyebrows. McIlroy staunchly supported the idea that this new implementation would not only put the game back on the ideals of sustainability that are embedded in its foundation but would also instill crucial skills amongst the players. However, Rory is not alone in his viewpoint.

2. Tiger Woods

Adding his name to the list of supporters of the golf ball rollback policy is the 15X major winner, Tiger Woods. Answering a question about the famous policy set to be implemented by the governing bodies, Tiger Woods said, “I’ve always been for bifurcation. I’ve always said that.”

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Two of the golf world’s greatest stars, Woods and McIlroy, both stand in support of the bifurcation proposal. Considering the high value associated with their opinions, the two famous pros’ stance has given the golf world another direction regarding viewing this new change.

3. Padraig Harrington

The famous Irish professional golfer finds himself on the side of the spectrum of supporters of the golf ball rollback policy. Unlike his counterparts, Harrington stands against the idea of bifurcation but is in support of the rollback policy. He wants the new policy to be applied throughout the game.

The 3x major winner said, “There’s so many benefits to rolling it back. To be honest, I would prefer they rolled it back for everybody. I don’t like the bifurcation.”

4. Jack Nicklaus

The Golden Bear has been an avid supporter of the golf ball rollback policy for years now. For a long time now, Jack Nicklaus has advocated for the governing bodies to roll back the golf balls to perpetuate sustainability in the game.

In his view, rolling back the balls would help the entirety of the golf world by providing relief to the number of golf courses that had previously gone obsolete due to the changing upper limit and making them useful again.

What do you think about the major names in support of the golf ball rollback policy for 2024? Share your views in the comments sections below.

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