Rory McIlroy, despite the criticisms of his peers, supports the possibility of a golf ball rollback. “It’s going to make it easier to identify the best players a bit easier,” he said.

After R&A and the USGA announced their proposal to create a Model Local Rule that would limit elite-level distances, many of the most prominent players in the game vehemently opposed the proposed change.

Justin Thomas stated that it was so bad for golf before the Valspar Championship.

“It’s the most atrocious thing you could do to the game golf,” said LIV golfer Bryson deChambeau.

We could go on.

Rory McIlroy, however, is on the opposite side of the fence. He talked to No Laying Up Tuesday, ahead of this week’s WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, in Austin, Texas. He explained why rolling back in 2026 would distinguish the best golfers.

He stated that he was determined not to allow the governing bodies to touch recreational golfers. “We need to make the game as fun and non-threatening as possible,” he added, “just so we can keep the participation high.” I’m happy that the governing bodies have not touched recreational golfers in their new proposal.

I like it for elite-level play. It’s something I truly love. Although it may not be popular among my peers, I believe it will help to identify the best players a little easier. This is especially true in the current era of parity we have been living in for the past two decades. “Golf has been dumbed down at the elite level,” is a term you guys use at No Laying Up. I totally agree with that statement. People with better-rounded skills will succeed more than the current game, which has been a bit bombastic and gougeous over the last few years.

Driving distance will drop to 15 yards if the goal of the governing bodies is achieved. McIlroy sees this as McIlroy turning longer clubs into greens, and another chance for the top players to rise to their best.

He said, “Selfishly I believe it helps me.” I believe this will only help the better players. It might also help the older player in certain ways. It will help the professional game. It’s going to help guys hit more long irons and mid irons and allow them to use every club in their bag during a round. I don’t recall the last time I had to do this. Although I’m not sure if the ball change will allow us to do that, it is definitely a step closer.”

The unique aspect of the proposed rule is the fact that the PGA Tour doesn’t have to accept it. If the Tour keeps the current ball, players will have to use a different ball at U.S. Open and Open Championships than they do at Travelers Championships.

McIlroy stated that he will not go back and forth with his MLR ball, but he will stick with it.

He said that the major championships were the most important to him. “So even if the PGA Tour does not implement it, I may still play Model Local Rule ball because I know that it’ll give me best chance and best preparation for the major championships.” This is purely a personal choice and opinion at this point in my career. From now on, I know my legacy will be determined by how many major championships I win. That’s what I consider the most important.

“If it gives me the best chance of success at the major championships, and I feel as prepared as possible, then I would do that.”