Rahm Warns Of 'Slippery Slope' Over Golf Ball Rollback Proposal
The Spaniard thinks the proposal to roll the golf ball back in the elite game could lead to problems
Aside from the deal struck between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund, another contentious issue in 2023 has been the golf ball rollback proposal as the governing bodies look for ways to curb driving distances in the professional game.
The proposal, earmarked for 2026, would see elite players use different balls to recreational golfers. Many players have spoken out against the idea, including one of the games biggest hitters Bryson DeChambeau.
Jon Rahm also revealed his reservations on the move ahead of the US Open at Los Angeles Country Club. Initially, he wasn’t too critical, saying: “Obviously the USGA and The R&A want to make a change to the ball to somehow protect the game, which is fine. If they think that's the best decision, so be it.”
However, it didn’t take long until he opened up on what he sees as potential ramifications should the proposal come into force. He continued: “It's funny to me because how many of the tee boxes on this golf course will become obsolete if they change the golf ball? At least half would be unusable for the next I don't know how many years.”
Rahm has one of the longest driving distances on the PGA Tour this year, at over 312 yards, and he said it will be the shorter hitters who would need to adapt. He continued: “They keep trying to protect from distance by adding distance to a golf course in a way where only long hitters are going to have a better chance to win.
“I don't know how else to really explain it. If they want to roll it back, then so be it. I don't really know what to say. I think they're only going to, let's say, affect the shorter hitters a little bit more.”
'I Think You're Going To Have To Go Forward Tee Boxes'
The Spaniard also thinks it would affect enough of those players to warrant moving tee boxes: “I don't think the top players in the world will change, said Rahm. "I think you're going to have to go to forward tee boxes to be able to play some holes, and I don't think the scores would change that much, honestly.”
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.
The 28-year-old also explained he’s concerned the players are not always taken into account with such decisions. He continued: “I just wish they really would take the PGA Tour players' thoughts and advice into consideration, because one of the bigger benefits of golf is the fact that all amateurs and all professionals play under the exact same rules, and if you start changing that, it can be a slippery slope."
Rahm’s comments came a day after Matt Fitzpatrick told the media that if the change is introduced, it should affect players at all levels. He explained: “If you're going to roll the ball back, I think just do it for everyone so everyone is playing the same ball, and if it's going 30 yards shorter, then great, whatever.
“I just don't think you should have a ball for the pros that might be used some tournaments, might not be used some tournaments, then amateurs can buy different golf balls. I don't think that would work. That would be my opinion. If they roll it back, great. If they don't roll it back, also great. I'm kind of there. I think you've either going to go all in for everyone or not.”
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.
-
PGA Championship Field Finalized For Valhalla 2024
The PGA Championship has the largest field of all the Majors, with 156 players – here are the stars teeing it up at the Valhalla tournament
By Mike Hall Published
-
Myrtle Beach Classic Prize Money Payout 2024
A new tournament on the PGA Tour takes place at South Carolina’s Dunes Golf and Beach Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
'We're Not Going To Change Anything' - Rahm And Hatton Remain Eligible For Ryder Cup Selection Says New DP World Tour Boss
New DP World Tour boss Guy Kinnings says Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection as long as they follow the current criteria already in place
By Paul Higham Published
-
Jon Rahm Pinpoints ‘Key Difference’ That ‘Could Help A Lot Of Fans Trust In LIV'
The Spaniard believes a change of format could improve the perception of LIV Golf
By Andrew Wright Published
-
The Banned Masters Item Which Could Have Really Helped Bryson DeChambeau's Chances This Weekend
Augusta National's strict policy regarding prohibited objects at its tournament contains one item which the leading LIV golfer could have really benefited from using
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'We're A Fraternity' - Seve Stories Shared At Jon Rahm's 'Emotional' Masters Champions Dinner
Phil Mickelson was again quiet, Sandy Lyle couldn't make it and the Seve stories flowed as Jon Rahm hosted a successful Champions Dinner ahead of The Masters
By Paul Higham Last updated
-
Jon Rahm Reveals What He Misses About The PGA Tour Ahead Of Masters Defence
Rahm spoke about why he still "loves the PGA Tour", the pressure of LIV Golf events, and his legacy ahead of defending his Masters title this week
By Joel Kulasingham Published
-
LIV Golf Star Bryson DeChambeau Says ‘Mom Would Have Probably Smacked Me’ For Not Taking Huge $100m+ Deal
'The Scientist' was speaking about his decision to switch tours in 2022 and sign a reported $125 million deal with the LIV Golf League
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'I Definitely Wouldn't Mind Going Back To 72 Holes' - Jon Rahm Calls On LIV To Make 'Helpful' Format Change
The current Masters champion suggested that increasing the number of holes in a week on the PIF-backed circuit could help with unification in the men's game
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Jon Rahm Could Lack The 'Right Intensity' To Defend Masters Title After 'Playing Resort Courses In His Shorts' In LIV Golf
Sir Nick Faldo questioned whether Jon Rahm could find the right intensity to defend his Masters title after making the switch to LIV Golf
By Paul Higham Published