McIlroy supports R&A proposals to limit ball distance
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[March 23, 2023]
By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) - Proposals to limit the distance golf balls travel
when struck by elite players have received the surprise backing of
four-time major winner Rory McIlroy.
Several players including world number two Jon Rahm and Justin
Thomas have criticised the Model Local Rule (MLR) proposal outlined
last week by golf's rules makers the R&A and United States Golf
Association (USGA).
However, Northern Ireland's McIlroy, one of the longest hitters in
the world, said he supports the move.
"For elite level play, I really like it. I really do," Northern
Ireland's world number three told the No Laying Up podcast this
week.
"I'm glad in this new proposal that they haven't touched the
recreational golfer. I know that's a really unpopular opinion
amongst my peers, but I think it's going to help identify who the
best players are a bit easier.
"Especially in this era of parity that we've been living in these
past couple of decades."
Average driving distances are around 300 metres on the PGA Tour but
many players are well in excess of that, meaning some courses are in
danger of becoming obsolete.
Club technology has long come under the microscope but now the R&A
and USGA are turning their attention to balls.
The MLR proposal, which could come into force by 2026, would give
competition organisers the option to require players to use only
balls tested under modified launch conditions.
To meet maximum-distance criteria, golf balls will have to not
exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 320
yards when struck by a clubhead with a speed of 127mph under
laboratory conditions.
McIlroy has voiced his disapproval in the past at measures to curb
distance, branding the R&A and USGA's "Distance Insights Project"
aimed at curbing driving distances, as a waste of time and money in
2021.
But he now says the game needs to be protected from technological
advances.
[to top of second column] |
Mar 22, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Rory
McIlroy (NIR) leaves a tee box during the first round of the World
Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play golf tournament.
Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-USA TODAY Sports
"Innovation is a part of every sport, it's a part
of every industry," he said. "But whenever that innovation outgrows
the footprint of the game, that's when I think we have a problem."
The R&A says that over the last 20 years, average hitting distance
has increased by one yard per year.
It says the proposed MLR testing set-up would potentially reduce the
distance by 14-15 yards on average for the longest hitters with the
highest clubhead speeds.
McIlroy currently leads the PGA driving distance charts with an
average 326 yards but says he would be willing to adopt the MLR rule
even if the PGA Tour did not.
"If the major championships somehow adopt this ball change, and the
PGA Tour doesn't, I think it widens that gap between PGA Tour golf
and major championship golf," McIlroy said.
"For me, the major championships are the biggest deal, so if the PGA
Tour doesn't implement it, I might still play the Model Local Rule
ball because I know that that'll give me the best chance and the
best preparation leading into the majors."
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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