Don’t blame the ball for potential changes in golf rules

By Jean Harris CONTRIBUTOR

Bifurcation, when it comes to the game of golf, means that a piece of equipment –the ball – to be used by golf professionals competing in USGA events will be different from the ball used by recreational players.

Michael Whan of the USGA has said that the distance the players are hitting the ball is making some of the classic golf courses too short. “Not doing something is borderline irresponsible,” he said.

If passed, this new USGA rule would take effect in January 2026.

Those who are in favor of bifurcation include Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Nicklaus has said that the professional game is geared toward power. Nicklaus believes that “professional golf is going to run out of land. ... I think what the USGA is trying to do is get the game more in balance between power and skill.”

Player also thinks that the elite pro game is leaning too much toward power. “They have got to cut the ball back for pros and leave it for the amateurs as it is,” he said.

Rickie Fowler, current PGA Touring pro, is against the rolled-back ball. “Concerning bifurcation, I don’t like pros and amateurs having different rules. Manufacturers are going to have to create new products and that’s going to be a lot of money in research and development,” he said. “It will cost the ball companies millions of dollars to change the ball and ultimately that’s going to go to the consumers. It’s going to ultimately hurt the game.”

Acushnet Company, who makes Titleist Golf Balls, spoke out against the proposal: “Bifurcation of the rules would cause a divide between the elite player and the recreational players and cause confusion. Also, recreational players want to play the same equipment as the pros.”

Lowcountry resident Pete Mandich is a re- tired Class A PGA teaching professional. He later moved to the business side of the game and founded his own golf ball manufacturing company in the 1980s. When asked for his thoughts on bifurcation, Mandich said, “The only changes golf ball manufacturers have seen are in the overall quality of the materials used in the ball’s construction. The ball has lower spin rates which can allow off-center hits at higher clubhead speeds. The golf ball is a ‘ballistic item.’ And the driver head and its ‘engine,’ the shaft, have both improved immensely, inspiring greater speed and force on the golf ball. Thus, the ball is traveling farther due to the applied mass it is receiving. Also, the professional golfers are in better physical condition. Bryson DeChambeau has shown how this helps the players develop more club head speed. In conclusion, the component parts of the golf club, the shafts and clubhead faces have improved. Thus, golfers are hitting the ball farther because the equipment is better.” Is it worth the money that the seven major ball manufacturers will have to spend to change the ball? The testing will be a very long process and the USGA and R&A will also have to do their testing.

To learn more about golf balls and testing, visit Mandich’s website at pmgolfenterprises. com.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses. jean. golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean. com