Justin Thomas is not delighted with what the USGA and R&A announced this week.
Thomas, ahead of the Valspar Championship on Wednesday, railed against the proposed strategy to deaden the golf ball for elite male players.
“You’re attempting to generate a answer for a issue that does not exist,” he stated. “It’s so poor for the game of golf.”
On Tuesday, two of golf’s governing bodies announced a strategy that would force golfers to use a modified ball created to limit distance. The proposal, which would start off in 2026 if it is adopted, would cut down driver distance by about 15 yards. Only the best golfers, not amateur golfers, would be impacted.
The golf balls, per ESPN, would have to conform to not exceed the general distance of 320 yards on carry and roll.
This season, Tour players are averaging just far more than 297 yards on drives. Each the USGA and R&A stated distances have been rising by about 1 yard per year, and that this likelihood would enable maintain the game sustainable more than the decades to come.
“If we basically do practically nothing, we pass that to the subsequent generation and to all the golf course venues about the planet for them to just basically figure out,” USGA CEO Mike Wahn stated, by way of ESPN.
Justin Thomas slammed the USGA and R&A on Wednesday more than the new plans for modified golf balls. (AP/Charlie Neibergall)
If the PGA Tour does not adopt this rule transform, golfers would only have to use the modified balls twice a year at the U.S. Open and the British Open.
“So for two of the 4 most significant events of the year we’re going to have to use a distinct ball? Like, attempt to clarify to me how that is far better for the game of golf,” Thomas stated. “And they are basing it off the best .1% of all golfers. You know what I imply?
“I never know how numerous of y’all regularly play golf in right here, but I guarantee none of you have come in from the golf course and stated, you know, I am hitting it so far and straight these days that golf’s just not even enjoyable any longer. Like, no, that is not — it really is just not reality.”
Certain, golfers are hitting the ball additional now than ever just before. John Daly was the very first golfer to typical far more than 300 yards off the tee in 1997. Now, 83 golfers are averaging at least 300 yards off the tee this season. Rory McIlroy leads the way at 326.six yards. Thomas is averaging 305.six yards off the tee, which is the 40th ideal on Tour.
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But golf, just like other sports, is expanding. Stopping that all-natural progression, Thomas stated, just does not make any sense.
“People are operating more quickly, so what are they just going to make the length of a mile longer so that the quickest mile time does not transform? Or are they going to place the NBA hoop at 13 feet since folks can jump larger now?” Thomas asked.
“Like, no. It is evolution. We’re athletes now. Like, we’re coaching to hit the ball additional and more quickly and if you can do it, so great for you.”
