New ball design divides the golf world: ‘Players who hit hard lose their trump card’ | Golf

The Golf Ball Rollback dominates current events in the golf world.

Concretely, it’s about modifying existing golf balls. It was always tested at 120 mph and allowed to fly a maximum of 317 yards.

From now on, the balls may fly a maximum of one distance, but the robot will hit them at a faster speed of 5 miles per hour. The change in ball configuration and changes in the dimples should ensure this.

“For the average golfer, it won’t make much difference,” says Mark Wernert. “For professionals who play with only strength and a little technique.”

The trend for stronger golfers to increasingly cover the entire course with a single drive has created new challenges for golf club operators.

“The courses have become too short and have to be modified. While it is better to change the materials,” says a spokesman for Golf Flanders. “This is less expensive and less harmful to the environment.”

But it is causing discord among the world’s top golfers.

“There is a lot of debate in the professional world. Players who seek power do not like to see this happen. They lose their trump card.”

It’s a boon for technical golfers.

“They’ll want to see that happen. The ball will also become a little more sensitive, allowing these players to offer a more curved trajectory.”

“I’m definitely in favor of a greater advantage for ‘ballmakers’. In football, people also enjoy someone who can turn the ball square. This is no different in golf. Now the advantage for ‘long hitters’ was also big.”

Wernert is therefore convinced that the divisions in the golf world will soon disappear. Positives? They adapt. But what about the Flemish enthusiasts?

He concludes: “I argue that the recreational player should be allowed to continue playing with forgiving balls. That he doesn’t have to be able to play great to hit a beautiful ball straight. Otherwise it will cost us some fun.”