A number of tournament venues remain defenseless in the face of modern distance. Photo: Shutterstock/Adam Vaughan. The PGA Tour, negotiated in one of golf's civil wars, has opened a new battlefront by telling the game's governing bodies that it opposes plans to limit how far pros can hit the ball.
In a memo to released late Wednesday night, Jay Monahan announced that the United States Circuit will fight proposals for a Model Local Rule in 2026 that would govern the type of ball used in elite competition and would not affect recreational players. /p>
The PGA Tour commissioner has only recently returned to his role after being suspended for an unspecified health condition following a shocking announcement last month from the State Investment Fund, Saudi sponsor of LIV Golf.
One would think that now Monahan will be looking for a period of peace. But while the language used in the message tries to be collegial, the core message of R&A and the US Golf Association – and of course, Augusta National, the host of the craftsmen who support the overhaul – definitely doesn't match.
At the very least, he can get to the stage where at least three big players are using MLRs, which will effectively cut the distance for the biggest hitters down to 15 percent while the Tour continues with the current ball. .
“As you know, over the past two years we've done a comprehensive analysis of PGA Tour distance and its impact,” Monahan wrote. “Despite some support for limiting future raises, there is a widespread belief that the proposed modified local rule is neither justified nor in the best interests of the game.
“After discussing this topic at a recent [Players Advisory Committee] meeting, we have notified the USGA and R&A that while the PGA Tour is committed to working with them – and all industry partners – to reach a solution that will best serve our players, our fans and the game at all levels, we cannot support MLR as proposed.” ” /> The proposed measures could reduce the travel of longest hitters by 15%. Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little
How the R&A and USGA will react to the rejection remains to be seen, although they are determined to act to stop the relentless distance increase that has already rendered classic courses obsolete, while multiplying environmental concerns and threatening to make the game too one-dimensional.
The R&A and USGA tried to provide a smooth and friendly upgrade through the MLR route, but the Tour's position opened up the opportunity for the governing bodies to enact sweeping changes that would be made across the sport. The Tour would have had no choice but to follow suit in this scenario, although there would have been a lot of bloodshed in that tough process. However, at last week's open championship at Hoylake, R&A CEO Martin Slumbers seemed ready to fight.
“Our role and even our responsibility is to do what is right for the sport when we achieve the determination to move forward,” Slumbers said. “All I will really say at this stage is that I will support [USGA CEO] Mike Wang when I say that doing nothing is not an option. We have proposed a targeted and proportionate measure to address a complex issue that we believe is key to maintaining the inherent challenge of golf and ensuring a sustainable future.”
In a memo, Monahan also confirmed that negotiations between the Tour and PIF were “ongoing”. They are centered around the future of the LIV Golf League while also creating a path back to the Tour for rebels who want to reapply for membership. The latter is an extremely complex issue that also ties into compensation packages that players who have not escaped the ship may be eligible for. Monahan indicated that these would be “financially significant” payments, but no other details were forthcoming.
“We are currently in a notice and comment period as we listen to the views of the golf industry,” says in the statement. read from R&A. “We appreciate the input we've received so far about the proposed Model Local Rule, including the PGA Tour.” while European Ryder Cup teammate Jon Ram thinks the money is better spent on a grassroots level. The governing bodies also have a suspicion that the PGA Tour's stance is determined by the fact that the equipment manufacturers that will face the financial impact of the change are such big sponsors of players, broadcasters and the game in general.
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