Gary Player Crazy Demand in Regards to Golf Ball Roll Back

Gary Player, a nine-time major champion, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. His recent comments, made during his honorary starter duties at The Masters, were no exception. Player voiced his concerns about the modern game of golf, criticizing the increasing focus on distance and the resulting changes to the “whole concept of the game.”

Gary Player’s main beef is with the golf ball itself. He has called on the R&A and USGA to roll back the golf ball by up to 60 yards. His argument is that the increasing distances achieved by today’s golfers are fundamentally changing the game. Par 5s, once a test of a golfer’s long game, are now within two shots of many professionals.

This is part of what Gary Player had to say, according NUCLR GOLF:

“We’ve got to cut the ball back 50, 60 yards. Otherwise, the whole concept of the game, the history of the game, the par-five, par-four, par-three, that’s gone. There are no more par-fives. These young guys are hitting eight-irons to par-fives. We are changing the whole history of the game.”

The Masters, Gary Player and the rollback issue

Gary Player’s comments came less than 24 hours after Masters chairman Fred Ridley announced his support for a proposed golf ball rollback to be implemented in 2028. Ridley shares Player’s concerns about the increasing length of golf courses. He fears that a Masters Tournament course will soon reach 8,000 yards, a significant increase from the 6,985 yards measured in 1999.

 The player’s comments have reignited the debate on the issue of golf ball rollback. His views are shared by many in the golf community, including Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley and fellow golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. However, there is also opposition, with figures such as Bryson DeChambeau and Keegan Bradley voicing their disagreement.

At the heart of Player’s argument is a call for a return to the fundamentals of golf. He believes that the focus on distance has overshadowed other aspects of the game, such as the short game and mental toughness. He argues that the ability to hit the ball long is an asset, but not a necessity. In contrast, the importance of putting and the mental aspect of the game cannot be overstated.

Gary Player’s comments at the Masters have brought the issue of golf ball rollback to the forefront of discussions about the future of golf. His passionate plea for change reflects a growing concern within the golfing community about the direction the sport is taking. As the debate continues, the golf world will be watching closely to see what changes, if any, are implemented in the coming years.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A have jointly decided to implement a rule to limit the range of golf balls. The new rule will go into effect in 2028 and is designed to reduce the range of the world’s best hitters by 10-15 yards. According to the two governing bodies, the impact of the measure will be negligible for recreational players.