Player calls for 50-yard golf ball rollback
Gary Player calls for golf ball rollback to protect historic courses.
After hitting the opening ceremonial tee shot at the Masters, Gary Player’s thoughts turned to a new gripe.
The South African stressed the importance of rolling back the golf ball in order for historic courses to remain relevant.
“With professional golf, we’re going to have to cut the ball back 50 yards, at least. The ball is such a big problem," Player said.
“We’re seeing guys hitting 400 yards a lot. Dustin Johnson hit a drive 489 yards ten days ago (at Austin Country Club in the WGC-Match Play event).”
Augusta National - host of the Masters - has bought land allowing them to lengthen the design, but other hallowed layouts do not have that option.
A recent report from the R&A and USGA showed a “concerning” increase in distance according to the governing bodies.
This suggests the golf ball and/or golf equipment will be rolled back in order to combat the issue.
