TaylorMade Golf – Nearly 45,000 golfers offer opinion and feedback on proposed golf ball ruling

March 31, 2023 – In response to the USGA and R&A’s proposed golf ball Model Local Rule (MLR), TaylorMade invited everyday golfers to voice their opinion by completing a survey regarding the topic of golf ball bifurcation.

Nearly 45,000 golfers across more than 100 countries spanning a variety of ages, abilities and participation levels took the time to complete the survey and have their voice heard.

Notable results are: 

Are you familiar with the Model Local Rule (MLR) for golf balls used in Elite Competitions that was recently proposed by The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A)?

• 93% Yes
• 7% No

Is the proposed golf ball rule clear to you?

• 83% Yes
• 17% No 

To the best of your knowledge, do you agree with the proposed golf ball rule?

• 81% No
• 19% Yes

Are you for or against bifurcation in the game of golf (i.e., different rule(s) for professionals versus amateurs)?

• 81% Against
• 19% For

To the best of your knowledge, do you think the proposed golf ball rule is good for the game of golf?

• 81% No
• 19% Yes

Do you think average hitting distances in professional golf need to be reduced?

• 77% No
• 23% Yes

How important is it for you to play with the same equipment professional golfers use?

• 48% Extremely important
• 35% Moderately important
• 17% Not at all important

How interested are you in professional golf?

• 81% Extremely interested
• 18% Moderately interested
• 1% Not interested at all

The next generation of golfers said they would be less interested in professional golf if the proposed MLR were to go into effect, with 57 percent of golfers aged 18-34 years old stating they would be less interested, while five percent said they would be more interested.

If the proposed golf ball rule were to go into effect, would it have an impact on your interest in professional golf?

• 45% Yes, I would be less interested
• 49% No, I would be just as interested
• 6% Yes, I would be more interested

If the proposed golf ball rule were to go into effect, would it have an impact on how much golf you play?

• 85% No, it wouldn’t have an impact
• 14% Yes, I would play less golf
• 1% Yes, I would play more golf

Please use up to three words to describe the proposed golf ball rule.

Is the majority of the golf you play recreational or competitive (i.e., tournaments)?

• 79% Recreational
• 21% Competitive

Which captures your handicap index?

• 0.5 or better 6%
• 0.6-4.9 13%
• 5.0 to 9.9 24%
• 10.0 to 14.9 27%
• 15.0 to 19.9 17%
• 20.0 to 24.9 7%
• 25.0 to 29.9 2%
• 30.0 or higher 1%
• I don’t have a handicap index 3%

How many years have you played golf?

• Less than a year 1%
• 1-2 years 4%
• 3-5 years 10%
• 6-10 years 12%
• 11-15 years 11%
• 16-20 years 11%
• More than 20 years 51%

“The goal of our survey was to give golfers the opportunity to voice their opinion on this proposed ruling as we absorb the MLR and its potential effects on the everyday golfer. We are grateful that nearly 45,000 golfers across the world felt the need for their voice to be heard. The overwhelming amount of responses show the passion, knowledge and care for the game our audience possesses. Each response and data point is being reviewed as we will utilize this feedback in our preparation to provide a response to the USGA and R&A”, says David Abeles, TaylorMade Golf President & CEO.

A summary of the notable data from a survey of nearly 45,000 golfers.

Golfers from more than 100 countries voiced their opinion on the proposed rule change.

By REDACCIÓN