Rory McIlroy believes ‘a little shorter golf ball’ would bring more excitement for fans, even though it would hinder his own game. The reigning Masters champion is gearing up for the PGA Championship, where he will be hoping to win successive majors for the second time in his career. He previously achieved the feat in 2014, prevailing at The Open before lifting the Wanamaker Trophy the following month.
Two years ago, it was confirmed that golf balls would be rolled back in the professional game from 2028. It means the balls will not travel as far as they do at the moment, making it more difficult for players. The announcement divided opinion but McIlroy believes it will improve the overall spectacle and make the sport more challenging.
Speaking after his second round at the Truist Championship, which was blighted by wet conditions, the Irishman suggested that a shorter golf ball would have made the course even more ‘awesome’.
“It’s a little more strategic,” said McIlroy. “Even today, heavier air, rain, a bit of wind. I drew back on a few holes and then I hit driver on a couple.
“I think there’s a lot of debate about it, but if the golf ball just went a little shorter, this course would be awesome. Not that it isn’t awesome anyway, but right now for the distances we hit it, it’s probably 500 or 600 yards too short.
“Yeah, it would be amazing to be able to play courses like this the way the architect wanted you to play them. So, yeah, like it does, it gives you a better appreciation when you play them in these conditions for sure.”
Not everybody is on board with the planned rollback, which will also impact recreational players from 2030 onwards. Derek Sprague, chief executive of the PGA of America, was recently quizzed on the topic and was not afraid to issue a strong rebuttal.
“I don’t think it’s controversial where we stand,” he said. “We know where our PGA professionals stand. Our PGA professionals do not want the rollback, I do not want the rollback. This is not good for the game.
“We’re seeing a great wave of play at the recreational level. I don’t know one recreational golfer who wants to hit the ball shorter. I don’t know too many tour professionals who want to hit the ball shorter.
“Our coaches and instructors, 30,000 strong, teach people how to play the game and how to hit it farther. I think the rollback sends the wrong message.”