Golf Ball Rollback for Dummies

If you’re a new golfer or someone who simply wants to know what all of this hooplah around a “golf ball rollback” means, let’s break it down into easily digestible parts (without any crazy golf nerd jargon).

(Editor’s note: shout-out to our friend Samantha Marks for the idea for this article)

What the heck is going on?

This week we are expecting an announcement that the golf balls used in our sport will be changing. This means that they will need to be made differently in order to adhere to golf’s rules.

Who is making this change?

Golf’s governing bodies, aka the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club (R&A). They are the groups who are tasked with keeping golf alive for future generations.

Why is this happening?

Short answer: it depends who you ask. Longer answer: golf’s governing bodies believe that players at all levels are hitting the ball too far.

How is that a problem?

This might be hard to keep at a high level, but here goes nothing. The biggest reason for this rollback is related to land and protecting the “essence of the game.” Golf courses only have so much space, and if golf balls fly too far, the perception is that golf courses will become obsolete and too easy. Golf purists believe this would damage the game and therefore support the rollback.

So what’s actually changing about the golf ball?

Hard to tell right now, but all golf ball manufacturers will need to adjust how their products are made in order to stay within the rules of golf.

But isn’t hitting the ball far a skill that should be protected?

Absolutely, and that’s a main argument from people against the rollback.

Why don’t they just roll back the ball for the really good players (pros)?

That was actually the first idea golf’s governing bodies had, but the better players (and brands who make golf balls) complained about it. So another option was needed.

But I like hitting the ball far. Won’t this make the game less fun?

That’s entirely up to the golfer. One line of thought is if everyone has to face the same rollback, then we’re all being affected in the same way. Longer hitters will still be longer.

When is all of this going to happen?

Based on what we currently know, pro golfers will have to use the new golf balls by 2028 while recreational golfers have until 2030. We should know more once the official announcement is made.

So if all golfers are going to hit it shorter, but longer hitters will still be longer than everyone else, what’s the point?

Again, depends who you ask. It is the governing bodies’s view that decreasing shot distance for everyone will protect the longevity of the game.

Has this ever been done in other sports?

Yes, quite often actually. Baseball, football, basketball, swimming, tennis, and many other popular sports routinely adjust rules on their game’s equipment for many reasons. This happens at all levels of the game, including professionals.

So how much distance am I going to lose?

This depends on the golfer, but it is rumored that the longest drivers will see about a 15 yard decrease in their distance off the tee. Slower swing speed golfers will see less of a decrease in comparison, but by how much is currently unknown.