Rory McIlroy Changed His Mind: I Support Golf Ball Rollback Plans

Although Rory McIlroy was initially against the R&A and USGA’s proposal, it appears that the Northern Irishman has changed his mind, at least partially. Reducing hitting distance is something that suits him, while changing golf balls for recreational players is something that McIlroy is against. However, it seems that the latter will not be applied.

“I’ve been pretty adamant that I don’t really want the governing bodies to touch the recreational golfer because we need to make this game as not intimidating and as much fun as possible, just to try to keep the participation levels at an all-time high,” McIlroy told No Laying Up, as quoted by golfmonthly.com

“So, I’m glad in this new proposal that they haven’t touched the recreational golfer. But for elite level play, I really like it. I really do. I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier. 

I think you’re gonna see people with more well-rounded games succeed easier than what the game has become, which is a bit bomb and gouge over these last few years.”

Rory McIlroy on the benefits

Rory McIlroy believes that such changes will bring good things to the top players. However, he did not rule out the possibility that such things could be useful to others.

“Selfishly, I think it helps me. I think this is only gonna help the better player. You know, it might help the longer player too, in some ways. But I think it’s going to help the overall professional game.

I think making guys hit some long irons again, and some mid irons, and being able to hit every club in your bag in a round of golf. I can’t remember the last time when I’ve had to do that. I don’t know if this change in the ball will make us do that, but it certainly is a step closer to that.”

While he does not oppose changes, the Northern Irishman does not agree with them if they go too far.

“I was once of the opinion that, you know, they don’t try to make Formula 1 cars go slower. Innovation is a part of every sport. It’s a part of every industry. But whenever that innovation outgrows the footprint of the game, that’s when I think we have a problem,” he said.