EDITORAL – PGA OF AMERICA TAKES STANCE ON 2028 GOLF BALL CHANGE

Since the R&A and USGA announced a couple of years ago that they plan to implement new regulations in 2028 (for “elite” competitions) to shorten the distance the golf ball travels, hardly anyone outside these two organizations approves of this change. The PGA of America has been especially vocal, saying that they are “vehemently opposed.” If you look up the definition of the word “vehement,” it reads, “marked by forceful energy; intensely emotional.”

That’s strong language, but the PGA felt that it was necessary in order to best preserve the game as it is for the vast, vast majority of players who are not on a professional tour. The PGA Tour has also expressed its disapproval, as did most of its players. So the question must be asked: If the PGA of America and the PGA Tour both are that firm in their disapproval, will they both decide to ignore the new golf ball regulations and write their own? That’s a distinct possibility that so far, both the R&A and USGA insist will not happen, but good poker players keep their cards close to their vest, so that’s likely what the PGA of America and PGA Tour will do in terms of what they decide when the time comes.