Rory McIlroy. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Rory McIlroy voices support for golf's new ball distance proposal

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/22/23

It's hard to believe that the golfer to coin "far-giveness" is in favor of golf balls not going quite so far. But such is the case involving Rory McIlroy, who is surprisingly in favor of an otherwise unpopular proposal by the USGA and the R&A to limit ball distance for the world's best players.

"For elite-level play, I really like it. I really do," McIlroy told the "No Laying Up" podcast this week. "I'm glad in this new proposal that they haven't touched the recreational golfer. I know that's a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it's going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier."

The world No. 3 golfer added that he sees this as a way to keep up with the evolution of golf clubs.

"Innovation is a part of every sport, it's a part of every industry," he said. "But whenever that innovation outgrows the footprint of the game, that's when I think we have a problem."

Exclusive: Rory McIlroy speaks out in support of bifurcation:

"For elite level play, I really like it. I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier."

Link: https://t.co/9gUrXu2Tuv
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) March 22, 2023

The proposal, made public just last week, aims to change how golf balls are tested for professional players in an effort to shorten their longest drives. The new rule would reportedly shorten drives by about 15 yards, (45 feet) for "the longest hitters with the highest clubhead speed," according to ESPN. Golfers from both the PGA Tour and the LIV Golf circuit have already spoken out against the new rule, including world No. 10 -- and good friend of McIlroy's -- Justin Thomas, who said the USGA has a history of making "some pretty selfish decisions."

Listen to JT’s three-minute thoughts on the new golf ball rollback plans. pic.twitter.com/DEzgfHRens
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) March 15, 2023

The USGA and the R&A are waiting to receive feedback on the proposed rule from manufacturers, so the testing wouldn't be started right away. Until then, it will be interesting to see what other golfers are for -- or against -- limiting the distance a golf ball can be hit.

More must-reads: