The R&A and the USGA have shown their hands.
Hitting distances are set to be reduced at all levels by modifying how golf balls are tested.
You can read how the golf ball roll back plan might affect you here and you can also discover the reactions of the industry here.
But what about the reactions of those at NCG HQ? The fallout that matters.
We put together six key questions from the governing bodies’ roll back announcement for four of our brightest minds (they were the only ones available) to get stuck into:
Are the governing bodies doing the right thing?
Matt Chivers: Yes they are. They’ve addressed the issue in a measured way that only significantly affects a small percentage of us all.
Chris Vodden: Yes. Like Billy Foster told us, more shot-making and less driver-wedge action on most holes, please! The gap between the best and the rest isn’t wide enough. Bring on a more fun and interesting game.
Matt Coles: This is a difficult question. I can understand why they might think it is the right idea, but for me, I don’t understand why they’re doing it. Also, the golfing landscape might have changed within the next five years.
Matthew Beedle: I’d say that for the sake of sustainability and golf courses not having to spend vast amounts of money “protecting” their golf courses, yes.
However, I can’t help but feel that there are two golf courses that they have had at the forefront of their minds when making these decisions.
Augusta National and the Old Course – not your everyday golf course.
Does the ball go too far?
Matt Chivers: The ball does go too far and would continue to go too far and stretch golf courses to their limits if nothing was done.
Chris Vodden: Not for me! But yes, the ball does go too far for a tour player or an elite amateur.
