Again With The Golf Ball

Last time I heard this mentioned it was from Jack Nicklaus; now the New Zealand Herald runs a story with Colin Montgomerie talking about changing golf balls to rein in long hitters:

...Eight-time European No 1 Montgomerie was among several players at the BMW Championship to applaud the changes masterminded by Els [at Wentworth].

 

But he said golf's rulemakers had to take a step back and provide more long-term solutions to thwart the continued advance in golf club technology which helps players power the ball vast distances.

 

"We are reaching a point where a decision has to be made," Montgomerie said.

 

"We cannot keep spending money using new land. We don't have to, we have an option. We can change the ball.

 

"I have said it for years and I'm not alone in my view."...

Monty talks about a larger golf ball and one with fewer dimples. Larger will help--not so long ago, The Royal and Ancient had a smaller ball than the USGA, and all things being equal the smaller one flew farther.

"Never" is a big word, but I don't see Monty's or Jack's revisions happening any time soon. There's such a deep link between golf technology and marketing..good luck with that.

Technorati Profile