Bryson DeChambeau Slams 'Atrocious' Golf Ball Rollback Plan
The big-hitting LIV Golf player has expressed his disdain for the proposal to limit driving distances


The game's governing bodies have proposed a way of bifurcation where elite golfers use different golf balls to recreational golfers.
Crucially, the plan would limit the distance a ball can travel in elite competition. However, while CEO of The R&A Martin Slumbers and his USGA counterpart Mike Whan insist the plan will help preserve the long-term integrity of game, it hasn't gone down well with one of the game's biggest hitters.
LIV Golf player Bryson DeChambeau has derided the idea, telling the circuit's official website: "If you could say I’m the complete opposite times 1,000, that’s what I would be."
The 2020 US Open winner, who is preparing for this week's LIV Golf Tuscon event, then argued that the proposal will unfairly penalise players who have honed their game to include hitting the ball long.
He said: "It’s a great handicap for us guys that have worked really hard to learn how to hit it farther. Look, if they do it in a way where it only affects the top end, I see the rationale. But I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf. It’s not about rolling golf balls back; it’s about making golf courses more difficult.”
DeChambeau also explained that, while his big hitting-style is divisive, it's something that creates interest in the game: “I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do,” said the 29-year-old. “Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do. It’s part of the reason a lot of people don’t like what I do.
"But again, it creates more conversation in a positive way than cutting it back and trying to make everybody equal. I’m all about equality. I’m not about equity on this front.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
It's hardly a surprise that DeChambeau is against the proposal given his dedication to his craft, which has included embarking on a brutal training regime to dramatically bulk up and improve his swing speed and driving distances. Still, the force with which he has made his feelings clear is notable.
The American isn’t alone in stating his displeasure at the proposal either, albeit with further criticism coming from Titleist, rather than a player, in the immediate aftermath of the announcement. The equipment manufacturer said the proposal of golf ball bifurcation was “a solution looking for a problem”.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Garmin Approach S44 Golf Watch Review
How does the latest installment in Garmin's golf smartwatch range perform both on and off the golf course?
By Conor Keenan
-
LIV Golf Korea 2025 Picks, Odds And Predictions
As the LIV Golf League arrives in Korea for the first time, check out the odds for the leading players and our picks to win this week
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Watch Bryson DeChambeau Smash 400+ Yard Monster Drive In LIV Golf Mexico Practice
DeChambeau is hitting mega drives this week in the 7,800ft altitude setting of Golf Club de Chapultepec in Mexico City
By Elliott Heath
-
Rory McIlroy's Sports Psychologist Explains Why He 'Didn't Talk' To Bryson DeChambeau In Masters Final Round
DeChambeau raised eyebrows at Augusta National when claiming that McIlroy wouldn't engage in conversation during the final round of The Masters
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Emotional Bryson DeChambeau Recreates 'The Shot Of My Life' At Pinehurst No.2 As Plaque Unveiled Day After Masters Charge Fizzles Out
The 2024 US Open champion travelled over to North Carolina a day after watching Rory McIlroy win The Masters to recreate the shot which helped the American down the Northern Irishman at Pinehurst last summer
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'He Wouldn't Talk To Me' - Bryson DeChambeau Reveals Rory McIlroy Dynamic During The Masters Final Round
After a disappointing Sunday at The Masters, DeChambeau shared that McIlroy was so focused en route to victory that the pair barely exchanged words all day
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'I'm Working Hard To Figure It Out' - Bryson DeChambeau Reveals New 'Prototype' Golf Balls Are In The Works
After changing his golf ball at the start of 2025, DeChambeau revealed in Miami that there are some new prototype models currently being worked on
By Matt Cradock
-
'He's Woefully Off His Game This Year' - Brandel Chamblee Labels Bryson DeChambeau 'Too Linear' To Enjoy Success At 'Abstract' Augusta National
Quizzed over the LIV golfer's prospects at The Masters in 2025 following a strong performance last term, Chamblee was not overly optimistic...
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Bryson DeChambeau In The Market For A New Golf Ball - But Which One Would Suit Him Best?
Bryson DeChambeau is having spin issues with his wedges so says he is looking for a new golf ball, but which one should he use?
By Paul Higham
-
Despite Bryson DeChambeau Support, This Much-Loved Scottish Golf Course Is Set To Close
Despite a late plea from Bryson DeChambeau, Scottish public course Dalmuir is to be closed due to funding issues
By Paul Higham