TaylorMade on bifurcation plans: Golf will lose its ‘I can do that too’ appeal

TaylorMade are the latest golf brand to have their say on the R&A and USGA’s recent proposals to bifurcate the sport.

Last week, Acushnet – the parent company of Titleist, among others – released a statement to say the controversial proposal is “a solution in search of a problem”, and Carlsbad-based TaylorMade have followed suit on the golf ball roll back.

The Model Local Rule, the manufacturer said in a statement, means “you – the golfer – will play with different equipment than the professionals”.

It continued: “We believe a large part of golf’s appeal is this underlying sense of ‘I can do that, too.’ And using the same equipment as the pros gives us a more accurate feel for how talented these players are.

“Most of us will never know what it’s like to play in Madison Square Garden, throw a touchdown in the Super Bowl, or score the game-winning goal in a World Cup final, but we can go to St Andrews, walk across the Swilcan Bridge, and, for a moment, feel what it’s like to be a professional, walk in their shoes, play the same courses, and use the same equipment.

“It’s all part of why we love this sport.”

TaylorMade, who have the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler using their golf ball, concluded by encouraging golfers to provide feedback.

“As we absorbed this announcement and tried to understand the why, as well as the impact, all of our conversations came back to one place – you, the golfer,” they wrote. “We want your voice to be heard, so please, let us know what you think.”

More on the golf ball roll back

• What does the golf ball roll back actually mean?

• R&A and USGA will adopt golf ball roll back at majors

• Should club golfers feel left out in the golf ball roll back drama?