Golf's governing bodies have unveiled proposals for a golf ball roll back. Will it make any difference to our weekend game? The From the Clubhouse team discuss

‘Golf is doing well and we don’t want to undermine this’. So said the R&A and USGA as they unveiled a proposal to unleash a new competition golf ball on elite events – but steered well clear of anything that could affect the recreational game.

Should club golfers feel left out as governing bodies seek comment on their plans to reduce hitting distances at the highest level?

On this week’s From the Clubhouse podcast, in association with TaylorMade, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll break down what they think of the Model Local Rule, the golf ball roll back in general, and ask whether it will have any impact on us at our clubs.

How far down the amateur ladder could the proposals reach, should we get the chance to try out a reduced-distance ball, and is it a fallacy to think we’ve ever played the same game as the world’s best?

Tom’s also surging with excitement for the start of the club match play season, and will Steve stump him again with this week’s rules question? There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get stuck in…

From the Clubhouse podcast on the golf ball roll back

Listen to our views on what the R&A and USGA’s proposed golf ball roll back could mean for club golf on the From the Clubhouse podcast in the player below, or on your preferred podcast platform.

More on the golf ball roll back

Vital for the game or too little too late? What do you think about the proposed golf ball roll back and would you like to try such a ball in your weekly game? Get involved in the discussion and let us know with a tweet.

More podcasts from National Club Golfer

Steve Carroll

A journalist for 23 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former captain and committee member, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the national Tournament Administrators and Referee's Seminar. He has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying and the PGA Fourball Championship. A member of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap.

Handicap: 10.9

Tom Irwin

Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.

PGA Catalunya Stadium PGA Catalunya Stadium

The NCG Top 100s Tour is heading to Europe for a multi-day event at PGA Catalunya. Prices start at £799 per golfer.

FIND OUT MORE

Subscribe to NCG