PGA of America against plan for modified balls

With golf still trying to extricate itself from one civil war, another looms on the horizon.

- Ewan Murray

The PGA of America has reiterated its stance against the rollback of the golf ball, with its chief executive stating the organization is "vehemently against" plans put forward by the sport's rule-makers.

The R&A and USGA announced in late 2023 that all professionals will be required to use a modified golf ball from 2028. The changes would apply to amateurs from 2030. It has long been the view of many that hitting distances for leading players have become problematic, an issue that renders many traditional courses obsolete in elite competition.

There is, however, an opposing view. The PGA Tour has never supported the rollback plan. The PGA of America, a close ally of the PGA Tour, is in the same camp. While the European Tour Group has never formally expressed a view, it is likely it would stand alongside the PGA Tour. Equipment manufacturers have been firm in their opposition to the proposals.