USGA CEO Mike Whan decided it was time to clear some air. The chief executive has been in the thick of it all since R&A and USGA announced the golf ball rollback policy early this month, igniting fresh controversies. Whan explains the need for the drastic change, calling the earlier golf testing method, “obsolete.”

There was skepticism about the necessity of the golf ball rollback policy. PGA Tour pros, such as Justin Thomas called it a selfish decision, whereas golf ball manufacturers dubbed it as irrational. However, the R&A and USGA jointly announced that they are going ahead with the proposal. This time, the USGA chief, speaks on the matter with The Golfer’s Journal podcast.

Whan has his reasons for the golf ball rollback policy  

Currently, the golf ball is tested at 120 mph clubhead speed, which roughly translates to 175mph ball speed. However, Whan says, “If you take the top 25 guys on the PGA Tour, … their average ball speed is over 183.” So, by the time the policy takes into effect in 2028, even the “183 ball speed we’re going to be tested at will be dated.” Regardless, this offers a bedrock on which they build on top in the future.

Some PGA Tour pros such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and most recently John Daly, have said the change was long overdue. Echoing similar sentiments, the USGA CEO admits that the current “testing is simply obsolete relative to today’s game.” However, that was not the most important reason.

USGA and R&A earlier said the key reason behind this decision is achieving sustainability. Apparently, the distance the golf ball is traveling has forced it to expand the course size. They had to act and act quickly. Drawing an interesting parallel, The former LPGA chief said, “It’s like the cop sitting in the school zone, I am making sure you’re driving at 25, but I’m paying no attention to what you’re doing on the highway.”. 

As per their reports, most professional golfers will see a reduction of 13-14 yards in their driving distance. But how will it affect the amateurs and recreational golfers? Mike Whan sounded positive about this. 

Recreational golfers won’t be severely affected

As per the official announcement, amateur golfers will have a distance reduction of 4-5 yards. However, recreational golfers have till 2030, to adapt to the changes. So, an average golfer with a 90-95 mph clubhead speed won’t have to make massive changes in their game due to the golf ball rollback policy.

Speaking on the matter, the Chief executive said, “We’re not building a test that is gonna be capped out for you.” Notably, top amateurs will step onto uncharted territory at the same time as professional golfers in 2028. 

Watch This Story: USGA and R&A Tips Their Hats in Favor of Ball Rollback Despite Huge Outcry Against the Controversial Policy