Since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, golf has seen an unprecedented surge in its popularity. The sport is unarguably more popular and more widely played in 2024 than it's ever been.

The decision of the USGA and R&A to introduce a golf ball rollback is grossly counterintuitive to the desires of most average golfers and numerous vocal tour pros. Distance is not the issue that a select few prominent vocal athletes have claimed it is. Amateurs are not hitting the ball too far or too straight, making too many birdies, or having too much fun. It can be argued that professionals have none of these problems as well. 

The rollback is completely unnecessary and can be easily avoided by exploring alternatives to this made up "distance issue" such as golf course set up or different agronomy practices at Tour events (i.e. grow the rough up, narrow the fairways, increase fairway mow height, water fairways, etc.). It is all too common to see professionals get 50 or more yards of roll during television coverage on firm and fast fairways. This is easily fixed by altering the fairway grass and/or landing surface. Simple changes like this are much more economical than an industry wide equipment rollback and will not affect the average golfer nor create millions of dollars in wasted R&D expense or obsolete, "non-conforming" equipment.

According to the PGA of America, there were 43 million on and off course golfers in 2023 in the United States with over 531 million rounds played. There is no logical reason to introduce a golf ball rollback that affects 43 million players if the primary purpose is reducing distance at the professional level (there are less than 5,000 touring pros in the USA). Contrary to Tiger Woods's statements, we aren't running out of land or property for golf courses. Less than 5% of rounds are from the "tips" or championship tees at country clubs, golf clubs, and municipal courses across the nation. Augusta National and The Old Course at St. Andrews will survive and have survived (even thrived with weather cooperation) when tournaments have been held with the current equipment. Protecting these two courses should not factor into the governing bodies' decision whatsoever.

We urge the USGA and R&A to re-evaluate their stance and not come off as tone-deaf to golfers around the world. At the very worst, we ask that the current ball is set as the benchmark and limit. There's no reason for the ball to regress. Let us preserve the spirit of the game and embrace the joy it offers to the players and spectators alike. We will never get tired of hitting long, straight drives and making birdies!

Please sign this petition and request USGA to rescind their decision on the golf ball rollback.