⛳ Rahm to LIV, Rory and the Rollback, Tiger's Return, and more.
The golf ball roll back and Jon Rahm move dominated this weeks news.
Yet another week with big talking points in the world of golf. In a week when Tiger returned to tournament golf, it’s hard to believe that it’s not the biggest talking point. Golf ball distances have dominated the week with a rollback being announced by the USGA to limit the distance manufacturers can allow golf balls to travel.
Also, Jon Rahm’s move to LIV is a big disappointment for the PGA Tour and its loyal fans.
Let’s take a look at it all.
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In this week’s newsletter 👇
The Opening Four-Ball
Tiger shoots up the world rankings
Jon Rahm heading to LIV Golf
Golf's Elder Statesmen Remain Baffled by PGA Tour/LIV Golf Talks
Former Ryder Cup star retires from golf for heartbreaking reason
Quote of the week
Main Feature: Rory Mcilroy on the Roll-Back
From the socials: Just for fun 😀
Musings of a Weekend Warrior
The Opening Four-Ball
Tiger shoots up the world rankings with near last-place finish
At last week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, Tiger Woods returned to pro golf after missing most of 2023 due to injury. And it only took four rounds for Tiger to climb his way up the world ranking.
Jon Rahm heading to LIV Golf
The LIV Golf League struck a blow to the PGA Tour on Thursday, as the Saudi-financed circuit signed Masters champion Jon Rahm to a multiyear contract worth more than $300 million, according to sources.
I see that Rory has been respectful of Rahm’s decision while also sharing his disappointment on a personal level. He has suggested that the European Tour needs to change its access requirements for the Ryder Cup to allow Rahm a spot at the next competition.
Golf's Elder Statesmen Remain Baffled by PGA Tour/LIV Golf Talks:
Ernie Els says he has lost friends in the ongoing saga dividing the pro game; Steve Stricker says there has to be a middle ground somewhere.
Former Ryder Cup star retires from golf for heartbreaking reason
According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Dubuisson cited his lonely lifestyle as his primary motivator for leaving the tour grind behind.
Quote of the Week
Min Woo Lee has taken some responsibility for the Golf Ball rollback 😅
“sorry i’m part of the problem #bombs”
Main Feature
Rory Mcilroy on the Roll Back
The universal golf-ball rollback has caused a stir in the golf community since last weekend, with the official announcement being released on Wednesday. There have been many critics expressing discontent towards golf's governing bodies for the perceived impact on recreational golfers.
What exactly is “rollback”?
“Rollback” is the act of shortening the distance a golf ball is permitted to travel. Manufacturers will achieve this by creating a new ball that requires greater club speed to travel the same distance — or, put another way if you hit the new ball the same way, it won’t go as far.
Last Sunday morning, McIlroy expressed his lack of understanding regarding the widespread anger about the golf ball rollback, indicating that it will not significantly affect regular golfers, contrary to critics' claims.
According to the four-time major champion, the rollback will have no tangible impact on the average golfer and will contribute to placing golf on a sustainable trajectory. He believes it will also revive certain skills in the professional game that have diminished over the past two decades.
While McIlroy did not outright endorse the rollback plan over any alternative, he acknowledged that the original bifurcation proposal, that would create a rolled-back golf ball exclusively for professional tournaments, would have been his preferred solution.
McIlroy, in discussion on social media, argued that a modest reduction of 5-10 yards off the tee would not materially affect their scores, handicaps, or overall enjoyment of the game.
As a recreational golfer myself, I see Rory’s perspective that the proposed rollback likely won’t impact the enjoyment of the game for many players like me. A modest reduction in distance off the tee is unlikely to affect my score (when I’m going to three-putt anyway 😅) or affect my overall experience on the course. We could always move up a tee box if it’s that big of an issue but my fragile masculinity is never going to let that happen :)
It would be interesting to hear your perspective on this. Are you in favour or do you believe there are other ways to address the evolving dynamics of the sport?
Acushnet CEO, David Maher had this to say on the matter
At a time when interest in golf is vibrant (2023 will mark the 6th consecutive year in which the number of golfers has grown), golf courses are broadly adding forward tees, back tees are used for less than 5% of rounds, and the average carry distances for female and male golfers are 147 yards and 215 yards, respectively, it is appropriate and necessary that the merits of any proposed equipment rollback are thoroughly evaluated in pursuit of a high degree of consensus and support around meaningful change.
Acushnet (Footjoy, Scotty Cameron, Titleist and Vokey)
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From the Socials
The origins of the term ‘fore’ 🤔
Musings of a Weekend Warrior
I’m in Miami and took myself down to Miami Beach Golf Club to hit the range and work on some things. It was my first time visiting the public course and it looked in great condition, I’ll play it next time I’m down here for sure.
I’d taken some time away from golf before this summer due to being flat out with my business but managed my time a little better over the summer and had the opportunity to play more. Although my mid-to-long irons are probably the better part of my game (that’s not saying much), that time off had me feeling inconsistent with shifting my weight upon my return so have visited the range a few times to work on that muscle memory. I’m your typical weekend warrior so any amount of time off makes me feel like I’ve taken a ton of steps backwards.
It felt like the most consistent practice session I can remember having, so I’ve slightly increased in confidence. We’ll see what happens on the course though 😅
Follow more of my golf (and more) journey here: @mrdavidskilling
Thanks for exploring the world of golf with me, David Skilling.
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