CARLSBAD, Calif. (Mar. 30, 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:
- To the best of your knowledge, do you agree with the proposed golf ball rule?
- 81% No
- 19% Yes
- Do you think average hitting distances in professional golf need to be reduced?
- 77% No
- 23% Yes
- Are you for or against bifurcation in the game of golf (i.e., different rule(s) for professional golfers versus amateurs)?
- 81% Against
- 19% For
- How important is it for you to play with the same equipment professional golfers use?
- 48% Extremely important
- 35% Moderately important
- 17% Not important
- If the proposed golf ball rule were to go into effect, would it have an impact on your interest in professional golf?
- 45% Less interested
- 49% No impact
- 6% More Interested
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.
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.David Abeles, TaylorMade Golf President & CEO
For complete results of the survey, click here.
