WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO: Renowned golf influencer Paige Spiranac has voiced her opposition to the anticipated golf ball rollback decision by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A).
The golf ball rollback has been a hot topic of debate within the golf community, with discussions revolving around potential rule changes to limit the distance golf balls can travel.
As the USGA and R&A prepare to make their final decision, Spiranac's outspoken opposition adds to the voices expressing concerns and differing opinions regarding the proposed changes.
Paige Spiranac voices opposition to USGA and R&A's golf ball rollback decision
Golf influencer Paige Spiranac has voiced her strong opposition to the latest golf ball rollback decision proposed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A).
With the regulatory bodies expected to announce their final decision next week, the 30-year-old influencer, known for her strong opinions on contemporary golf issues, took to the X platform to express her stance, asserting that "no one wants this."
In reaction to Spiranac's assertion that "no one wants this", one user humorously commented, "Old people yelling at clouds want this."
Another user weighed in on the debate, criticizing the idea of going backward with ball technology while sarcastically questioning why golf club technology isn't also rolled back.
The user wrote, "Going backwards with ball tech is goofy. Why not go backwards with golf club tech too? Bc that will cut into the BIGGER profit $$ earned by club makers. R&A is whining bc their courses are short & not being chosen as often for pro events, so it’s “Hey, let’s throttle the ball!”
Backlash against golf ball rollback decision sparks controversy among players
The recent confirmation of a golf ball rollback decision by the regulatory body has triggered dissatisfaction and opposition from players, including prominent figures like Paige Spiranac.
The news, indicating that every popular golf ball will be deemed "non-conforming", has led to heightened discussions and debates within the golfing community.
The governing organizations have been working on developing new rules, initially anticipated to impact professional elite players. However, the latest reports reveal that the proposed adjustments will be non-negotiable for both amateurs and elite players.
The regulations will include testing golf balls to ensure compliance, and a notable increase in swing speed by 5 mph, raising it from the current 120 mph.
The discontent surrounding the decision is not limited to Paige Spiranac as several male golfers, including Justin Thomas, and PGA Tour officials have also expressed their opposition to the proposed changes.
The debate, which began officially in 2020 and spanned almost three years, initially suggested revisions to ball speed, with expectations that rules would primarily affect elite players.
R&A CEO Martin Slumbers acknowledged the pushback from the golfing community against the Model Local Rule, emphasizing concerns about creating a bifurcated game at the elite level.
He said (via GolfDigest), “The game was not happy with the Model Local Rule. There was a view that it would create a bifurcated game at the elite level. It was a very strong pushback against that. The PGA Tour was very public about it. So was the PGA of America. A number of players spoke out. And our job is to listen."
"But our responsibility is to the long-term future of the game. Along with the USGA, the R&A is a custodian of the game. So, we are listening. And we have made a decision about what we are going to do," he added.
