Lucas Glover Slams Golf Ball Rollback Plan As 'Stupid And Reactive'
Lucas Glover, the 2009 US Open champion, has voiced strong criticism against the USGA and R&A's planned golf ball rollback policy, calling it "stupid and reactive."
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The rollback plan, announced in December 2023, aims to reduce hitting distances in golf by introducing new ball specifications. Professional players will begin using the new balls in 2028, followed by recreational players in 2030. The change is expected to reduce distances by 13-15 yards for the longest hitters and about 5 yards for recreational golfers.
Speaking to Golfweek, Glover argued against the logic behind the decision: "They are breaking the world record in the 100 meter, they don't make it 110. Guys are shooting three-pointers better, they don't move the line back. They haven't made the goal posts narrower when field goal kickers got better."
Recent developments include a PGA Tour test session at Retreat Golf Course in St. Simons Island, Georgia, where players including Keith Mitchell, Patton Kizzire, and Davis Thompson tested prototype balls.
The plan has faced significant opposition from industry stakeholders. PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague noted, "I don't know one recreational golfer that wants to hit it shorter" and expressed concerns about the financial impact on golfers who would need to purchase new equipment.
The rollback decision came after a previous proposal for bifurcation (different equipment standards for pros and amateurs) was rejected following pushback from the PGA Tour and manufacturers.
The governing bodies maintain that this change is necessary for golf's sustainability and environmental responsibility, though the debate continues about whether this represents the best solution for the sport's future.