PGA Tour sends survey to players regarding distance rollback ... and one interesting rules question
The PGA Tour sent a survey to tour and Korn Ferry Tour players this week regarding the upcoming distance rollback. And one question signals a potential breakaway from the tour and the governing bodies of golf. As first reported by Golf Magazine’s Sean Zak , players received a questionnaire regarding their thoughts on the rollback implemented by the USGA and R&A.
In March the USGA announced that after seeking comment on changing the implementation date for the new testing rule that could initially reduce elite driving distance by 15 yards, it is in fact now proposing that the rule not go into effect until 2030. The rule involves the Overall Distance Standard test and would raise the test speed from the current 120 mph to 125. Instead of the original plan that involved a staggered start that would only affect elite golf in 2028 before applying to all golfers in 2030, the new proposal opts for a universal single start date of Jan.
1, 2030. While Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods has been rollback proponents, many tour players have been vocal in their opposition. Additionally, at last week’s PGA Championship, longtime rumors were confirmed that World No.
3 Cameron Young has been playing a ball that would conform to the new rules for several months. However, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has been publicly noncommittal about the proposed change, only stating at the Players Championship he was still learning about the matter. "I think this is clearly a complex issue," Rolapp said.
"From what I can tell, it comes down to two questions: Is distance a problem, and should it be addressed—[that’s] question No. 1. Question No.