USGA: In addition to calling the idea of a distance-reducing ball “selfish,” “biassed, inaccurate, and self-centred,” Justin Thomas also questioned what advantage it would offer the game.
The R&A and USGA are putting up a Model Local Regulation (MLR) that would allow organisers to mandate the use of balls that have undergone modified launch circumstances testing. The MLR has no bearing on recreational golf because it is solely designed for use in high-level contests.
Golf courses have been stretched in an effort to continue to challenge the greatest players in the world due to improvements in fitness and golf equipment technology that have allowed players to hit the ball further than ever.
The R&A and USGA declared their intention to “stop the ever-increasing cycle of hitting distance” in February 2020, but they acknowledged it might take years to find a solution.
When questioned about the proposal on Wednesday, Thomas retaliated.
“To be honest, I felt both disappointed and unsurprised in response. I believe the USGA has made some rather egotistical decisions throughout the years, which is harsh but true,” Thomas told the press.
“Despite their claims, they have undoubtedly done a number of things that aren’t for the benefit of the game. I spoke with other USGA members and expressed my confusion about how the game is expanding. For them to state that “golf is in the best place it’s ever been, everything is terrific, but” in the same phrase… So, there shouldn’t be a bit, I think.
“You’re attempting to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. To me, it simply seems like such a waste of a chance and the game of golf. The fact that you can use the exact same golf ball that I do, for example, is one of the best aspects, in my opinion. It is kind of cool.
“It’s really unusual for a regular amateur golfer to be able to use the same equipment. Yes, I am aware that my wedge, or whatever you want to call it, may have a different grind, but you can go to the pro shop and purchase the same golf ball that Scottie Scheffler, Scottie Scheffler, or anybody else uses plays.
“The USGA, however, wants to change that and make it so. I don’t see how saying, ‘Oh, the pros play this way and the amateurs play this way,’ is better for the game of golf.”
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