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The USGA and R&A are expected to announce changes to how far the golf ball can travel. These changes have already sparked reactions from golf fans and professional golfers. Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee is one of those who reacted to these changes via social media.
Chamblee respects the governing bodies; however, he doesn’t understand why they decided to make these changes.
“I appreciate the governing bodies and what they mean to the game, but on the roll back issue they are not only out of touch with the game they govern, but the people that play it.”- Chamblee wrote.
Chamblee emphasized that the majority is against such a decision, given that they do not see the point of it. However, there are also those golfers who think that this is the ideal thing. Opinions are divided. “It is a very small number of people that are in favor of a roll back.
Golf course architects of which there are what, maybe a hundred or so? Golf course architect geeks of which there are maybe a few thousand? And a very few tour players and former tour players, compared to 50 million global golfers against it and 28,000 PGA of America members against it and most every single touring professional against it.”- he continued.
Brandel Chamblee: Appreciate the athleticism of the best
Chamblee gave the example of an LPGA tour player and a male player. When you train hard for something in your career and then changes happen, you’re bound to be disappointed.
Your efforts will become meaningless. This is what Chamblee is talking about. “The average LPGA tour player flies the ball 220 yards, the average male amateur carries the ball 215 yards, the average female amateur carries the ball 147 yards, (all numbers courtesy of a USGA report btw) but because a few tour players through years of practice, thousands of hours in the gym, and yes, advances in tech, can carry the ball 283.8 yards (tour average for 2023) they want to penalize 50 million golfers.
Please. Appreciate the athleticism of the best, but don’t punish the only people in the game that will feel the sting of this decision.”
