Getty Images
Mr. Dr. Note: You’ve likely heard of the USGA and R&A’s proposed golf ball comeback. But how will this rule affect amateur golfers (if at all?), and what does it mean for the professional tours?
Overall, the proposal would affect the testing conditions for golf balls used in the professional and elite amateur ranks – and would not affect the rules for a ball for recreational use.
Whether or not you support rollbacks, Lucas Wald assures that the GOLF teacher he watches will bring focus to one key skill that’s often overlooked: technique. Below, Wald explains why—if a new ball rule is enacted—better technology will be a key tool for professionals to achieve distance and accuracy. – Nick Demingo
Why Suggested Retreat Golf Balls Reward Appropriate Technique
Rory McIlroy recently made a salient point about the proposed ball rule.
“Stepping back will help identify the best players a little bit easier,” he said.
As someone who appreciates the ups and downs of the great, I agree with Rory. The focus has always been on the best technique for the players, and the players in the best form He should shines.
Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Mickey Wright, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods have all had huge careers, all known for their vocal fundamentals and superior ball-hitting ability.
Hogan’s first professional win came at the 1940 North & South Open, at Pinehurst. In the second round on the 6,900-yard setup, he hit several long iron approaches, and used either a 1 or 3 iron on three of the four par-3s. Hogan hit 17 greens and shot 67.
This graphic shows some of Hogan’s reported data:
Will Hogan’s greatness on the ball get that much respect in today’s game?
Given the forgiveness of modern equipment, it is doubtful. Drivers of this era allow most top pros to throw their tee shots over 300 yards, bridging the gap between very talented players and only talented old players.
I remember watching Woods do things in the ’90s that no one else could do. When everyone else was lying on the 5-bar, it was easy to come home in two. Ditto for John Daly, who far outpaced his peers by 70 yards.
Players with better technique always benefited. Hogan, Nicklaus and Snead outdid their competition with dominant ball hitting And Unparalleled strength. Today’s players have the advantage of better equipment.
Professional golfers don’t swing full swing on every tee stroke, or every second on their 5s, because they don’t have to. They can carry shelters on the fairway and green side with ease. Bomb and take off.
If the ball is rolled back, the pros will have to generate more clubhead speed to get the same kind of distance. And for some players, this will prove to be a particular challenge. The faster you swing, the more noticeable the swing’s imperfections become. Highly technical players can and will increase their swing speeds without sacrificing the accuracy needed to play at the highest levels.
Take guys like John Rahm and Tony Finau. They both have short back frequencies because they don’t need the full back motion that produces more speed.
I have a lot of respect for everyone top pros. The best men and women are geniuses about greens and wedges. Golf courses are firm and fast, and world-class players perform best because of their exceptional touch and feel. But I also know that many guys like McIIroy, Finau, and Hideki Matsuyama have a few gears that they often don’t use because they don’t need them.
Suggested golf ball backsliding can level up the playing field – rewarding players with the best technique, not the best equipment.
If rolling backwards will make the game a closer version of what it was before, I’m all for it. Giving added value to accurate hitting the ball is exciting for me as a coach. Understanding, teaching and applying great technology will only help future generations of gamers.
All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by our editorial team. If you purchase an associated product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Prices may vary.
Srixon Z-STAR DIAMOND 2023 golf balls
$47.99
To push the limits of your game, you need a ball with all the right ingredients. That’s why the entire Z-STAR series is engineered to deliver tour-level distance, control and feel, from the tee to the green.
Titleist 2023 Pro V1 Golf Balls
$54.99
The Pro V1 features a softer feel, spin and flatter trajectory than the Pro V1x, making it the model of choice for players who love exceptionally long distances, the ability to launch shots, and score with precision and touch.
Callaway 2022 Chrome Soft Golf Balls
$49.99
Chrome Soft is better for everyone, from hobbyists to major winners. Now with our new Precision Technology, the Chrome Soft Golf Ball is even longer in the bag while providing the smooth feel golfers love.