USGA under pressure as survey shows 81% of golfers oppose golf ball rollback plans 

Amid the raging debate over the R&A and USGA's proposed golf ball rollback plans, a survey has revealed that 81% of pro golfers are against it. The survey of around 45,000 golfers, done by golf equipment manufacturer TaylorMade, claims that the response to the proposed move is overwhelmingly negative.

According to the survey, the majority of golfers surveyed didn’t see the need to limit golf balls. They claimed that the changes were unnecessary and also limited the game. Many noted that the rollback could be bad for the game. The survey, which received over 44,000 responses from golfers from 100 countries, has put the USGA under pressure with the results.

While 81% voted against the proposed golf ball changes, 45% of them also added that they would be less interested in the sport if the rollback is implemented. Underlining the move as ‘unnecessary and unpopular,’ 57% of young golfers aged 18-34 were also disinterested.

TaylorMade, who produces most of the golf balls used in pro events, stated that they are unhappy with the move. It is pertinent to note that the ball manufacturers will have added costs if the move is implemented as they’ll have to presumably cover the costs of developing new conforming golf balls that comply with the rule.

Speaking about the survey, TaylorMade Golf President & CEO David Abeles said, as quoted by Golf Monthly:

“The goal of our survey was to give golfers the opportunity to voice their opinion on this proposed ruling as we absorb the MLR and its potential effects on the everyday golfer.”

He added:

“We are grateful that nearly 45,000 golfers across the world felt the need for their voice to be heard. The overwhelming number of responses show the passion, knowledge and care for the game our audience possesses. Each response and data point is being reviewed as we will utilize this feedback in our preparation to provide a response to the USGA and R&A.”

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Rory McIlroy backs the proposed golf ball rollback

The survey comes amid big differences of opinions among golf’s biggest stars. While players like Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau have openly slammed the move, others like Rory McIlroy have welcomed it. The Irishman even received some flak for claiming that the move would reward better players and add role skills to the game.

The ace golfer backed the R&A and USGA's proposed golf ball rollback. Interestingly, this came as a major U-turn in his earlier stance when he dubbed the project a "huge waste of time and money."

Speaking about the proposed move on the No Laying Up podcast, Rory McIlroy said:

“I was once of the opinion that, you know, they don't try to make Formula 1 cars go slower. Innovation is a part of every sport. It's a part of every industry. But whenever that innovation outgrows the footprint of the game, that's when I think we have a problem.”

He added:

“I’m glad in this new proposal that they haven’t touched the recreational golfer. But for elite level play, I really like it. I really do. I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier.”

Meanwhile, DeChambeau called the proposed plans "atrocious." PGA Tour star Rahm even questioned the governing bodies of why they wished to “change something that is working.”