Will USGA and R&A’s Rollback Policy Affect LIV Golfers?

The USGA and R&A announced the newest modal local rule, the Rollback Policy, that will affect professional golfers as well as recreational and amateurs. After the revelation of the rules, the golf world was divided by people advocating for it and many against it.

In between the tussle, the PGA Tour announced its opposition to the rule and that it would not implement it in its events. As the American League displayed its stance, curiosity got the best of people in asking, will the Rollback Policy ever affect the LIV defectors?

The chances of LIV golfers facing the Rollback Policy

LIV Golf with a 40+ player roster and 12 teams is quite different from its nemesis, the PGA Tour; in format and also in following the rules. So, the rollback policy affecting the LIV golfers in the near future is likely unattainable. But will it affect them after the infamous merger is fixed?

Not really, the PGA Tour has shown its aversion to the rule and has said it will not be implementing it in its events. So, on account of LIV Golf and PGA Tour’s merger being finalized, the golfer will not be limited to hitting a shorter distance. However, if the Tour backtracks, then LIV golfers will face the inevitable.

Additionally, the USGA and R&A are governing bodies for the US Open and The Open Championship, respectively. Although a few LIV golfers are qualified for the major events, it will be a disturbance to these golfers, as a change in the pace of the game alters their skills immensely.

Moreover, if the leagues decide against the merger, the last resort for the breakaway league will be to follow what rules are thrown at them to get the precious OWGR points, required for ranking better and eventually getting a seat at the major events. The recent upgrade in the game of golf has confused a regular golfer. Here is what you need to know about the rule.

What exactly is the rollback policy?

Early in 2023, the USGA and R&A released their memo about reducing the distance covered by a golf ball for elite players. However, 9 months after the initial notice, the organization renewed the rule and said it would now be for pros and recreational golfers.

Read More: Amid Celebrations, Jon Rahm Still Considers the LIV Jump a ‘Big Risk’ That Might Jeopardize His Everlasting Dream

According to the USGA and the R&A, every season, a golfer hits the ball farther than previous records, hence making the golf courses obsolete. To resolve the issues, the rollback policy took shape. It will be implemented from 2028 for pros and from 2030 for amateurs.

This will indeed create bifurcation, which essentially means different equipment for pros and amateurs. With the changes to be implemented in the far future, there is a chance of the USGA and R&A modifying the rule to fit the masses accurately. What do you think about the Rollback Policy? Tell us in the comments!

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