Rory McIlroy stated unexpectedly that he believes that the controversial proposal to split the golf ball would be good for the game.
This week, the four-time major champion appeared as a guest on the “No Laying Up” Podcast and discussed the possible changes.
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 to keep the participation high,” he said.
“So, I’m happy in this new proposal that it hasn’t touched recreational golfer. It’s great for elite-level play. It’s something I truly love. Although it isn’t a popular opinion among my peers, I believe it will help to identify the best players a little easier.
“I believe you’ll see people with better-rounded games succeed more than what the game has become over the last few years, which has been a bit bombastic and gougeous.”
“Selfishly, it helps me. This will only help the better players. It might also help the older player in certain ways. It will, however, benefit the professional game in general.
“I believe that making guys hit longer irons and mid irons is a good idea. It also helps to be able hit all the clubs in your 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.”
“I once believed that they didn’t want to make Formula 1 cars run slower. Every sport needs innovation. It is a part every industry. However, when that innovation exceeds the game’s footprint, I believe we have a problem.”
Rory’s comments seem at odds with TaylorMade’s statements over the past week.
TaylorMade spokeswoman, releasing a statement about the proposed rule changes this Wednesday:
The USGA and R&A announced recently a proposal to create the Model Local Rule, which requires highly skilled golfers to use a different ball starting in 2026.
“This will bring bifurcation to our sport, which means that you, the golfer will be able to play with different equipment from the pros.”
We believe that a big part of the appeal of golf is the underlying feeling of “I can do it too”. Using the same equipment and pros gives us an accurate sense of how talented these players really are.
Most of us won’t know what it’s really like to play at Madison Square Garden, score the winning goal in a World Cup final or throw a touchdown in Super Bowl. But we can walk across the Swilcan Bridge to St. Andrews and feel what it’s all like to be a professional for a second. You can walk in their shoes and play the same courses with the same equipment. It’s all part and parcel of what makes this sport so special.
