Having invited golfers to respond to The R&A and USGA’s proposed golf ball Model Local Rule (MLR), TaylorMade has released the initial findings form its survey – based on some 45,000 responses from around the globe.
With responses from more than 100 countries spanning a variety of ages, abilities and participation levels, the 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 (ie 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% of golfers aged 18-34 stating they would be less interested, while 5% said they would be more interested.
David Abeles, TaylorMade Golf president & CEO, said: “The goal of the 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 utilise this feedback in our preparation to provide a response to the USGA and R&A.”
For the complete results of the survey, click here
