Monday morning this week, Solheim, the CEO of PING golf, announced an ambitious plan to create three tiers of golf balls: one that goes longer, one that stays the same and one that will be hit a shorter distance. Click here to read Golf Week’s article about Solheim’s three-tier idea.
It’s a controversial but innovative idea sparking lots of debate by both the USGA and R&A. We asked a few of our experts what they thought of the rule change, see what they have to say and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
From Steve Atherton, GolfTEC VP of Research and Development:
There are pros and cons to Solheim’s proposal, and I think it could create some creative formats for amateur golfers, and maybe even more interesting tournament play for the PGA / LPGA professionals. For example, they could play the same course two weeks in a row – one week with the long ball and then the next week with the short ball – to see how scores might change. For the average golfer, however, I don’t believe it will level the playing field.
This is just my theory right now, but I think playing with the short ball would actually IMPROVE most weekend warriors’ scores. The average golfer misses more than half of the fairways as it is, so the longer ball would just put them further into trouble off the tee, and they would miss the fairway even more often. The shorter ball, however, would allow them to play from the fairway more often. I think playing from the fairway more often would be a bigger benefit than a few extra yards on the holes that they actually do hit the fairway.
From Andy Hilts, GolfTEC VP of Instruction:
Jack Nicklaus has been saying for years that we need to stop the ball from going too far. This proposal would help the average amateur to have a ball that goes farther. That means more people might start playing as hitting a ball FAR is the major thrill in golf. This would also bring back some of the strategy on classic courses that the stronger players can overpower. Lots of classic courses that have had to do a redesign or can’t redesign because they don’t have the space.
However, I’m not sure I like having two sets of rules. We already have a handicapping system to help level the playing field. We need to let technology advance the game, if we hadn’t done that in the past, we would still be playing with wooden woods and a feather filled leather ball.
Final thoughts: I would love to go Tee it Forward with a longer ball!
Center where you will be teaching: GolfTEC San Carlos, CA
Years playing golf: 20
What’s your best golf memory?
My3 holes-in-one. I know! Plural!
What are you looking forward to most about becoming a GolfTEC Coach?
Getting the experience and knowledge of the most advanced teaching and golf instruction that is out there.
Personal Golf Goals:
Get my Class A PGA Certification. Become a Master Teaching Professional. One day possibly own my own GolfTEC franchise.
Favorite place you’ve ever played:
No favorite, but I appreciate all the courses I have played. They all have their own rewards. I do love a challenge though!
Favorite club in your bag:
I don’t have a single favorite club, I have a love for each of my tools. They each reward me with their own individual opportunity when that opportunity arises.
Center where you will be teaching: GolfTEC Overland Park, KS
Years playing golf: 40
What is your best golf memory?
Playing in the 1989 US Amateur at Merion.
What are you looking forward to most about becoming a GolfTEC Coach?
Helping students improve their game and sharing my passion for the golf swing.
Golf goals:
Get TPI fitness Certified, give 150 30-minute lessons per month, write one swing article for a local publication within my first 90 days as a GolfTEC Coach. I’d also like to read two books on the golf swing in the next two months.
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