Rory McIlroy identifies issue with new rollback golf ball after early testing

Golf ball manufacturers have until 2028 to comply with the new standards, but McIlroy believes the early notice could give them enough time to develop balls that still perform much like today’s models.

He also pointed out that Shane Lowry, who has already tried the new balls, hasn’t noticed any difference – a concern given how finely tuned professional players are to changes in equipment.

“If you talk to the players who have played or tried the rollback ball, it is usually people from one manufacturer. If you talk to others, I have a very good friend in Shane Lowry, who plays a certain brand of golf ball and he noticed no difference at all.

“I think we’re frustrated as an industry as well because I think the lead time that these equipment companies have been given to figure it out, by the time we play this ball in 2028 there’s not going to be a difference or there’s not going to be so marginal it won’t make a difference.

“That is the hard thing. It’s very hard for governing bodies and equipment regulators to stay ahead of equipment manufacturers because they have more money for R&D and testing.”

McIlroy went on to suggest that simply changing the ball isn’t enough. He questioned whether club size should also be regulated and stressed that a broader approach might be necessary.

“So then you’ve got to start looking at do you limit clubhead size?” McIlroy continued. “Approaching it just one way with just golf balls is one thing – it’s a big part of it – but you need multiple angles. The ball is a good start but by 2028 there’s not going to be much difference between what we’re using now.”

The growing gap between manufacturers’ resources and those of governing bodies has become clear. Without stricter controls across all areas of technology development, keeping up may become increasingly difficult for those setting the rules.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau disagree on ball rollback

It’s not surprising to see McIlroy and DeChambeau taking opposite sides of the debate. While McIlroy supports the change, despite having concerns over its rollout, DeChambeau has openly criticised it.

DeChambeau believes fans enjoy watching him hit longer drives and is reportedly working on a new ball design to suit his power game.

Back in 2023, he said: “It’s a great handicap for us guys that have worked really hard to learn how to hit it farther. Look, if they do it in a way where it only affects the top end, I see the rationale.

“But I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf. It’s not about rolling golf balls back; it’s about making golf courses more difficult.”

“I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do. Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do. It’s part of the reason a lot of people don’t like what I do.”

The appeal in watching long drives comes from their difficulty – if they become too routine, much of that excitement fades away.

If anything, using the new ball could play into his hands even more. He’d still be hitting longer than anyone else off the tee but would have shorter clubs into greens while others would still need wedges for their approach shots.