As Golf Digest reported last week, there is a golf ball rollback, in some form, coming.

“We have been very clear, as has [CEO] Mike Whan at the USGA,” R&A head Martin Slumbers told Golf Digest last month. “There are only three options: We can bifurcate; you change the whole game; or you do nothing. And doing nothing is not an option. We stand by that.”

The golf ball rollback, if you’re unfamiliar, is a proposed rule change by the USGA and R&A, golf’s rule-making bodies, to address the continued increase in the distance professional golfers are hitting the ball. Proponents of the rollback say it protects historic golf courses from becoming obsolete, among other things. Opponents of the rollback say these are golf’s old-school elitists trying to hamper progress.

Personally, I’m a sceptic on the rollback, but wherever you land, it’s increasingly clear that something is going to happen, and probably soon with a rule that will apply eventually to all golfers, not just elite players. So let’s do a quick runthrough of a few potential outcomes, ranked from least to most severe.

Rollback fails, status quo remains

Given all the efforts in recent years to study the issue, then take a stance that distance is a matter that needs to be addressed, and with the pending rule set to be announced, it’s hard to see the governing bodies announcing a full-on retreat anytime soon. However, there’s a potential case they may be forced into one. Perhaps it’s via a lawsuit from equipment manufacturers, or blowback from the public that’s so heated they get spooked. Or maybe the game’s other power players, like the various tours, simply refuse to abide by the new rule, which pulls the governing bodies back from their plans.

Again, it’s unclear how or if the governing bodies could land in a “let’s just forget about it” position, but the result would be the least drastic of all: Golf takes the scenic route to everything staying the same.

Forty years ago, in the December 1983 edition of the magazine, Golf Digest was exploring the possibility that the distance golf balls were travelling might require action from golf’s governing bodies.

Tournament-specific golf balls

Of course, everything above would require the powers that be to back away from their own idea of a rollback. But if the response to impacting average golfers with a rollback is harsh enough, it could be that the governing bodies return to their original proposal of a model local rule. The fight to get here though might be so heated that potentially they only enact that rule sparingly, on specific courses. The Open Championship at the Old Course, for instance, or the U.S. Open at Merion, etc.

Week in, week out, things will basically stay the same. But when the championship goes to a legacy course that can’t or won’t be changed, then the rolled back ball comes out.

Competitive-recreational golfer split

Turn the temperature one notch further up, and you’ve got something similar to the previous proposal being adopted (aka, a local rule that can be enacted at-will by tournaments), but one that isn’t used sparingly. Rather, it’s adopted on a wider scale as a new normal.

Every USGA or R&A tournament adopts the rolled-back ball, for instance, or every NCAA tournament. This would, I would guess, end up dividing down competitive-recreational golfer lines. If you’re playing in non-handicap stroke play tournaments, there’s a good chance you’re using the rolled back ball.

Of course, this gets messy if the major tours, like the PGA Tour, doesn’t adopt the rule (which officials have said is their current stance), but we’ll get to that …

Rollback for everyone

Perhaps it’s posturing, perhaps it’s hinting at what’s ahead. But there were inklings in Slumbers’ comments that it may be cleaner to adopt a rollback across all of golf. And that is what sources tell Golf Digest is coming soon from the USGA and R&A.

This is one of the scenarios in which the proposed rule would likely affect you, the golfer. The rolled back ball is designed to chop 20 yards off the drives of golf’s best players. What would it mean for you? Without knowing the ball, it’s hard to know. Probably something slightly less but similar.

Some golfers would say they would simply refuse to adopt the rolled back ball, as they’ve indicated in a recent Golf Digest poll in which more than 60 per cent of respondents said they wouldn’t honour a new rule that restricted distance.

Breakaway chaos

And then there’s the most severe outcome of them all: Some kind of standoff that doesn’t get resolved, and instead escalates the divide.

What do I mean? Let’s say the USGA and R&A announce a rollback of some sort, whether for some or all. But then, the PGA Tour and LIV refuse to adopt it, and many of the major equipment manufacturers simply refuse to make a new golf ball model. Perhaps there’s even a threat to form a breakaway governing body to compete with the others.

Who knows how it’ll all turn out, all that’s clear is that in this scenario, it gets messy. Very messy.

Main image: Eóin Noonan

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The rollback would be implemented for golfers of all levels in 2030—different than the bifurcated proposal those governing bodies put forward earlier this year. The USGA and R&A predict a 10-15 yards decrease for golf’s longest hitters, down to 1-5 yards for amateurs.

We have finalized the next step in our years-long effort to address consistent increases in hitting distance and golf’s sustainability.

These changes to the Overall Distance Standard will take effect in January 2028.

— USGA (@USGA) December 6, 2023

Naturally, the rule change caused an eruption from golfers on all sides. Let’s break down some of the most noteworthy reactions.

Bridgestone Golf

Golf ball maker Bridgestone Golf issued a statement effectively saying they don’t like it, but they accept it and are moving on.

Bridgestone Golf statement regarding USGA/R&A distance roll back announcement: pic.twitter.com/L290S6nJtX

— Bridgestone Golf (@bridgestonegolf) December 6, 2023

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy has been outspoken in support of his rollback. After a tweet over the weekend, McIlroy joined Sky Sports on Wednesday morning to support the official proposal, saying that it’ll lead to a more “skilled” game.

"I think this change will make the game more skilful again" ?

World number two golfer Rory McIlroy has backed the new changes to rules regarding golf ball specifications which will see a reduce in distance they travel ?️? pic.twitter.com/XamHvgVhBA

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 6, 2023

TaylorMade Golf

McIlroy’s sponsor, TaylorMade Golf, released a statement on the rollback, expressing opposition but acceptance. On Golf Channel, the company’s CEO David Abeles said: “This decision has been made, and we will move forward.”

PGA Tour

The PGA Tour, with a vast majority of players being against the decision, released a statement questioning the specifics of the new testing protocols, saying they aren’t representative of on-course speeds.

Callaway Golf

Callaway Golf carved out a unique position, expressing disappointment that the USGA moved away from a bifurcated proposal.

PGA of America

The PGA of America released a statement praising the delayed timeline of implementing the new rule, but expressing concerns over a “greater reduction of distance than we would advise” for recreational players.

We appreciate that the USGA and R&A ran a collaborative and patient process over the past several years. We are particularly gratified that they heard our concerns regarding the significant operational challenges bifurcation would have presented and are no longer considering a local rule regarding the ball for elite players. We are also pleased that the proposed change to the ball has been delayed until 2028 for elite players and 2030 for recreational golfers. Given the important role our nearly 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals play in the recreational game, having more time to adjust to the new rule is helpful. We remain opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying. It appears recreational golfers will see a greater reduction in distance than we would advise. While this decrease has been lessened, we continue to recommend being more moderate on the swing speed change for the golf ball conformance test. At this time, we continue to have concerns and look forward to continuing this important conversation and finding resolution with all of our golf industry partners.

USGA and R&A CEOs Mike Whan and Martin Slumbers

Defending their own proposal on Golf Channel, Slumbers said that the move was designed to “protect the long-term health and sustainability of the game…with the environmental concerns,” while Whan punched back against some of the proposal’s critics:

“There’s gonna be a lot of ambulance chasers and alarmists that are gonna make this thing seem so much worse than it really is. … I don’t want a few loud voices that are trying to get more clicks and more viewers and more phone calls to drive a frenzy that quite frankly isn’t based in fact.”

.@RandA and @USGA CEOs Martin Slumbers and Mike Whan detail what the universal golf ball rollback announcement means for players of all levels.

?: @GolfCentral breaking news coverage live now on Golf Channel pic.twitter.com/remf2OX3Q2

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) December 6, 2023

Main image: Mike Ehrmann

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Golf Digest Middle East caught up with The R&A’s Phil Anderton and Neal Graham to discuss the vision of the game in the region

The R&A’s ambition is to inspire future generations to say: ‘I love golf’

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer

How has the role of The R&A changed and expanded in recent times?
The R&A governs the sport of golf worldwide alongside the USGA who have responsibility in the US and Mexico. We have responsibilities for governing the Rules of Golf, staging The Open and AIG Women’s Open as well as elite amateur championships and developing the sport.

The R&A has changed significantly over the last few years and we continue to evolve as an organisation. We have modernised The Rules of Golf and made them more inclusive through the introduction of Rule 25 which allows players with specific disabilities to play fairly with players who have no disabilities, the same disability or a different type of disability.

We introduced a unified global handicap system for the first time, we have enhance The Open and the AIG Women’s Open and crucially we implemented a modern and proactive business models which has given us financial stability meaning we can double our investment into the sport to £200 million over a 10-year period.

We are now three years into a new five-year strategy where we are focused on achieving our vision for the sport which is that golf is open to all people. We continue to be leaders for the sport encouraging it to modernise, change and adapt to a rapidly changing world. Golf has a golden opportunity post-pandemic where more than ever people want to enjoy healthy, social and fulfilling leisure pursuits. Now is our time to act to ensure more people are playing more golf well into the future.

Over the next five years we are placing particular emphasis on women and girls golf, sustainable golf practices, the promotion of golf and it’s health benefits as well as alternate formats of the game and modernised facilities. Our real ambition is to inspire current and future generations to say ‘I love playing golf’.

The R&A looks to encourage even more women to play golf and work in the industry

I have seen the number of golfers rise significantly, especially in recent years. How is The R&A helping grow the game?
Our recent participation figures show that golf continues to thrive post-pandemic. In 2022 there were an additional ten million golfers playing the sport worldwide, excluding the US and Mexico, since 2016, which is an increase of 34 per cent. There are now 39.6 million on-course adult golfers, across 9 and 18 holes, with the top-five golfing nations, outside of the US and Mexico, being Japan, Canada, Korea, England and Germany.

What is really exciting is that women now make up almost a quarter of adult registered golfers, demonstrating the positive impact of initiatives focused on promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in golf. I was delighted to note that recently the UAE became the first country in the world to have all its golf clubs sign The R&A Women in Golf Charter. I will be keen to see the impact this has on the growth of women’s golf in the country.

The participation growth has been aided by the important work of golf bodies like The R&A and Emirates Golf Federation do to drive participation initiatives and increase awareness of the benefits of the sport. There remains significant interest in golf and while we recognise that there are economic challenges due to cost of living pressures, it is important for everyone involved to do their best to keep existing golfers in the sport as well as continuing to drive new participants.

Golf it! is designed to be family friendly and encourage new golfers into the sport

As I have mentioned golf has a golden opportunity and it is important that we capitalise on that. Already we have launched initiatives that take The R&A down new avenues including the opening of Golf It! The R&A’s new community-based golf and entertainment facility in Scotland. It’s a new concept which is set to make golf more accessible and inclusive for golfers and non-golfers alike. It was launched in August and has already seen huge success with over two million balls hit on the range in the first three months of operation. We see Golf It! as a blueprint for how a modern golf facility should be and hope that  more Golf It! style facilities will be created further afield.

The R&A’s Golf is Good campaign features international football star Gareth Bale

Golf and health has also been a significant focus of The R&A through ‘Golf is Good’, a new global project that we piloted in Wales last summer in partnership with Wales Golf. Featuring R&A global ambassador Gareth Bale, it used recent scientific research to promote the health and well-being benefits of playing the sport through cutting-edge animation. It is now being rolled out globally through other national associations and golfing bodies. The campaign in Wales produced positive results with 65 per cent of current golfers who had seen golf and health advertising playing more golf than usual in 2022, compared to 48% of current golfers who had not seen the advertising. Furthermore, 73 per cent of current on-course golfers were likely to play more golf because of the campaign.

Global superstar Niall Horan, a new initiative by The R&A, and Modest Golf to boost participation

Another significant project that we launched this summer, with the support of R&A global ambassador and music star Niall Horan, was Golf.Golf which encourages people to learn to play golf at a diverse range of golf facilities across Scotland. The initiative has been developed using extensive research into how to attract new people to the sport and is targeted specifically at those who already had or have an active interest in sporting activity but not necessarily in golf. The Golf.Golf digital platform provides an easy-to-use searchable list of all participating venues. Prospective players – from beginners to those who want to pick up the sport again – can use the platform to find their local venue and book sessions directly.

And the key objectives to help sustain and expand this growth through The R&A?
Our number one objective over the next five years is to increase the number of people playing all formats of the golf and get them playing more often. It is this objective which has driven projects like ‘Golf is Good’, Golf.Golf and Golf It!

These projects are all driven by extensive market research. We then take this research and create programmes which have been piloted in particular markets. We can then review and modify where necessary but more importantly we can take those programmes and work with other national golf associations to launch them in other countries. I think this is the real value The R&A can bring to golf internationally. We have the resources to undertake the research, to make sure programmes are evidence-based and then help golf associations with the local knowledge to deliver these programmes in their own countries.

And specifically in the Middle East region — how are you reaching more budding golfers?
The Middle East has become synonymous with elite level professional golf and even amateur golf with the recent staging of the World Amateur Team Championships. It is also a favourite golf holiday destination for many people. However, compared to many regions around the world, golf in the Middle East is still in the early stages of its participation development. But this also presents one of the greatest opportunities for growth worldwide and we are starting to see some very positive participation trends. Our recent global participation report shows that 9 & 18 hole golfer numbers in 2022 have risen by 62 per cent compared to 2020, by 100 per cent compared to 2016 and by 223 per cent compared to 2012. So I think we should acknowledge the successful efforts of the national golf associations in the Middle East to grow participation.

To help golf in the Middle East to continue to grow and to assist the national golf associations to take advantage of the current opportunity, The R&A has appointed Neal Graham as Regional Development Manager. He supports The R&A’s development strategy to engage and lead more effectively by working with national golf associations and other key stakeholders to drive the development of the sport within the Middle East. He provides organisations with support and advice in relation to grassroots initiatives, coaching, on and off-course facilities, pathways and high performance development, and staging professional and amateur championships.

Now almost a year into having a dedicated staff member in the Middle East, The R&A has seen the UAE become the first country to have all golf clubs sign the Women in Golf Charter, the introduction of a pilot of The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme and shortly we are about to host The R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum during the DP World Tour Championship.

Neal Graham. Ahmed Abdelwahab / Motivate Media Group

Neal Graham, Middle East and India Regional Development Manager

What is the active role The R&A takes to provide assistance in the region?
As Phil mentioned, The R&A works closely with the national golf associations and key stakeholders to support their development plans.  Since I commenced this role, my focus has been on engaging with the national golf associations in the Middle East,  listening and understanding the golfing landscape in their regions. Working together we have then identified key areas The R&A can support to develop programmes that make golf more appealing, accessible and inclusive.

In the UAE, working alongside the Emirates Golf Federation we identified the opportunity to create a pathway to introduce more children to golf. So, we are particularly excited to launch The R&A Unleash Your Drive in Schools programme in collaboration with the Golf Foundation, which is a six week beginner golf programme for students that can be delivered by teachers thanks to training from PGA professionals, easy to use resources and equipment which includes plastic golf clubs and soft foam golf balls. At the end of the six week programme students will have learnt the basics of golf as well as nine mental toughness skills which are integrated into the programme to positively impact their wellbeing. Those who wish to develop their golf skills further can join the Emirates Golf Federation junior programmes or those at local golf clubs.

Recently, we conducted workshops at Yas Links Abu Dhabi and the Tommy Fleetwood Academy at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai. We had attendees from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon, so we will start to see The R&A’s Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme rolled out in the coming months.

Following on from the success of the schools programme, we are also aiming to launch the Golf Sixes League in Abu Dhabi to provide children with another opportunity in their golfing journey. Golf Sixes League is a proven junior golf concept which The R&A collaborates on across the United Kingdom, Europe and Africa.

Tell us more about the upcoming R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum
The R&A Middle East Golf Leadership Forum will take place during the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai on Thursday November 16.

The purpose of the forum is to gather both industry and non-industry stakeholders from the Middle East region to network and collaborate on three key topics; golf and health, sustainability in golf and inclusion in golf.

Each session to being moderated by a leading figure and will feature panellists who can share with the audience their personal insights and experiences. We are delighted to be joined by Dr Andrew Murray, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the European Tour Group, Chris Gray, Head of Sustainable Agronomy – Asia-Pacific for The R&A and Tony Bennet, Head of Disability and Inclusion – IGF, President of EDGA and PGA Master Professional.

We hope to motivate and inspire the golf industry, to share best practices amongst colleagues but also to look at how golf can learn from other successful sports.

All 22 golf clubs in the United Arab Emirates have signed The R&A’s Women in Golf Charter. It becomes the first nation to achieve the feat

The R&A has a strong focus on women and girls golf, how are you bringing that to the Middle East?
The R&A is committed to increasing the number of women and girls both playing golf and working in the industry. In 2018 The R&A Women in Golf Charter was launched to inspire an industry-wide commitment to developing a more inclusive culture within golf. Since then over 1,300 organisations in 75 countries have signed the Charter. Something that all golfers within the UAE should be very proud of, is that earlier this year the UAE became the first country to have all golf clubs sign the Charter. Each club has set out its commitment to developing women’s golf at their facility and long term I believe we will start to see the number of women golfers in the UAE increase because of this initiative.

The UAE also now has five women from the industry participating in The R&A Women in Golf Leadership Programme which is aimed at supporting the development and progression of women who have the potential to become future leaders.

Nada Mir of Qatar (L) and Vanessa Richani of Lebanon (Ri) became the first players from their countries to compete in the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship

At an elite amateur level, we have also seen golfers from the Middle East start to emerge. This year The R&A staged the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore with 85 players from 22 countries in the field. For the first time this year there was a competitor from Lebanon and Qatar in the Championship which has helped to inspire more women and girls in those countries to take up the sport. 

And Greenkeeping training is also in the pipeline?
The R&A has partnered with the Asian Golf Industry Federation and the New Zealand Sports Turf Institute to provide a Certificate in Greenkeeping programme available to greenkeepers across the UAE.  This programme is crafted for golf course staff who may not have formal education related to the knowledge and skills required to operate safely and efficiently as a greenkeeper on a golf course. The blended workplace learning will allow the students to apply the technical skills and processes learned to a variety of turf situations under the supervision of a qualified workplace supervisor throughout the one year duration of the course. The introductory course will kick start the programme at the The Montgomerie Golf Club from Monday 27th November to Friday 1st December.

Off course facilities are inspiring more people onto the golf course

There are many off-course facilities too, popping up. How does this help beginners get into the game?
The R&A’s research has shown across the globe that over a third of on course golfers were inspired to play on course golf by playing alternative formats of the sport.

The rise in popularity of off course facilities such as indoor simulator golf, adventure golf, mini golf, and driving range golf with tracker technology has a number of benefits to aid beginners getting into the sport.  Firstly, they attract a much larger non-golf audience who traditionally would have not engaged in golf.  The variety of the facilities and experiences on offer can assist in engagement being maintained.  The facilities are friendly focused and are able to attract all demographics.  We are fortunate that many of the off course facilities in the UAE offer professional instruction on site to assist golfers develop their game further and make the transition to the course should they wish to.

Off-course and on-course facilities working together on initiatives when able will help improve engagement for golfers and as a result increase the awareness of the sport and breakdown traditional perceptions.

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He was the official starter at The Open for 41 years and his passing has been met with an outpouring of affection from players and golf administrators.

He also acted for over 40 years as the DP World Tour’s official starter with his “on the tee” message delivered in his cultured brogue at famous golf venues around the globe.

Ivor sent the world’s best players on their way in a wonderful career — from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, from Arnold Palmer to Seve Ballesteros, from Tom Watson to Rory McIlroy.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ivor’s passing. As official starter at The Open for over 40 years, his voice was instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Championship for players and millions of golf fans worldwide.

“He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news. On behalf of all of us at The R&A, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 61 years, Lesley, and the Robson family.”

Ivor Robson. 1940 – 2023.

A voice synonymous with The Open. pic.twitter.com/NTEvkrggQl

— The Open (@TheOpen) October 17, 2023

It was in 2015 when he announced his retirement, working at The Open at St Andrews for the final time, before making his emotional final announcements when the curtain came down on the DP World Tour season in Dubai in November 2015.

Ivor said at the time: “It has been a wonderful career. It’s been a great honour. The way I have been treated by players, officials, sponsors… thank you all very much.”

A much-loved resident of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, Ivor was born in England in 1940 and began his remarkable career at The Open in 1975 at Carnoustie. He went on to earn the admiration of the best players in the world, sending them off from the first tee with his famous words and a hearty grin.

“To the professionals, it has been great fun being here with you,” he added in 2015. “We have had lots of banter and it has been wonderful. You are a credit to the professional game. And to the spectators, thank you for your wonderful support over the years.”

For 41 stagings of The Open, it was one voice, Ivor’s voice, that marked the time.

He didn’t miss a championship or a tee time going back to 1975 and was also well known for avoiding a toilet break as much as he could between matches teeing off.

Having worked at his 40th Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014, The 144th Open the following year was Ivor’s last.

When he took to the tee at 6.32am on the opening Thursday over the Old Course, it marked the beginning of a final championship for the iconic first tee announcer.

“I feel you can’t go on forever and if you’re going to step off there’s no better place to do it than here,” he said. “I’ve had some nice ones but this is special, St Andrews. It is just magnificent.”

Ivor said he would miss many things about working at The Open but mostly it was the people. “Being involved, being a part of a team,” he said. “I’ll miss that a lot but it’s time to go.”

A fiercely private man who enjoyed playing when he could at his beloved Moffat Golf Club.

Looking back to his Open career, he added: “It is a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world. I’m privileged and immensely proud. They were all very special.”

Main image: Ivor Robson. R&A

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In 1952, Bonallack won the British Boys Championship, a hint of what was to come. Five times he won the British Amateur title, a feat he repeated in the English Amateur. Nine times the Essex-native was part of the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, most memorably in 1971 when he captained the side to their only victory between 1938 and 1989 over the Old Course at St Andrews. Seven times Bonallack played for GB&I in the World Amateur Team Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy. In that event, Bonallack was part of the winning GB&I team in 1964, two years before he would tie for low-individual honours.

A regular competitor in the Open Championship, in which he twice won the silver medal as leading amateur, he had a best showing of T-11 in 1959 at Muirfield, when he finished six shots behind the winner, Gary Player. Bonallack also played in three Masters, missing the cut each time.

If that array of achievement is not impressive enough, Bonallack, whose late wife, Angela was herself a two-time English Amateur champion and six-time Curtis Cup player, held a variety of important positions within golf administration.

Most famously, he was secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews from 1983 to 1999 and captain of golf’s most famous club in 2000. President of the English Golf Union in 1982, Bonallack held the same role at the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) and also served the One Armed Golfers Society and the Professional Golfers Association of Europe in the same capacity. Almost incidentally, he was Chairman of the advisory committee for the World Golf Hall of Fame, into which he was elected in 2000.

And there’s more. Awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1971 for services to golf, Bonallack was knighted in 1998. He was voted the Bobby Jones award in 1972, the highest honour bestowed by the United States Golf Association. Amongst the many clubs of which he was either a member or an honorary member was Augusta National.

A regular rules official at major championships, Bonallack gave one of his most famous verdicts during a long ago Masters. Two-time champion Seve Ballesteros was looking for a dubious drop in the trees left of the 10th fairway. A discussion ensued, during which a second opinion was called for. Legend has it Bonallack appeared in a cart and, without slowing down never mind stopping, took one look at the situation before uttering an immortal two-word verdict: “Hit it.”

An unassuming soul despite the many successes he enjoyed on and off the course, Bonallack also had a dry sense of humour. Playing in the 1979 Hampshire Hog, a one-day 36-hole event at North Hants Golf Club (where former US Open champion Justin Rose grew up) Bonallack played while puffing on a previously unseen pipe. Having shot 67 in the morning to lead, he, along with his young Scottish playing partner, attracted a large gallery after lunch.

Then it happened. Just before driving off on a par 4, Bonallack tossed his pipe to the ground. Watching the subsequent drive, the inexperienced Scot then stepped forward on to said pipe and broke it in half.

“Ah,” said Bonallack, a thin smile on his face. “I shall have to take up cigarettes.”

But here’s the thing. Four years later, as R&A secretary, Bonallack wrote to the same by this time not quite so young Scot to inform him of his selection to represent GB&I at the Indian Amateur in New Delhi. The letter was typed and formally worded. Until the end. Under his signature, Bonallack had written in his own hand: “PS: please don’t stand on any Indian snake charmer’s pipes.”

So I was forgiven. Like so many, I will miss Michael Bonallack, who, wheelchair-bound, was last seen in public attending the opening ceremony for last month’s Walker Cup at St Andrews. But the game of golf he played so well and to which he gave so much, will surely miss him more.

Michael Bonallack. Cowper

Main image: Brian Morgan

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The UAE has, for decades now, been the driving force behind the growth of golf in the region, but with elevated International Series events arriving on the Asian Tour in places such as Oman and Qatar, Bahrain joining the DP World Tour schedule, the Ladies European Tour and Golf Saudi innovating the game on the Aramco Team Series, and the explosion in popularity of the sport in Saudi Arabia, it is safe to say golf has never been more popular in the Middle East.

Even with all the ‘growing the game’ in the region, the numbers involved may be surprising.

Source: R&A. Includes par-3 courses

The R&A recently released the latest figures for global golf participation, with the key stat that 10 million more adult golfers are playing the sport worldwide since 2016.

According to new research undertaken by the governing body, there are now 39.6 million on-course golfers (nine and 18 hole) in R&A affiliated markets.

The research figures indicate that the growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and continued during the pandemic — up 34 per cent from 29.6 million on-course golfers in 2016. The sport has since continued to increase in popularity post-pandemic, up 15 per cent from 34.5 million on-course players in 2020.

Closer to home, the growth in the Middle East has been exponential, growing from 13,000 golfers in 2012 to 42,000 in 2022.

Source: R&A

Since 2012, nine and 18-hole golf participation numbers have risen by 62 per cent compared to 2020, including 16,000 registered — the Middle East leads the world on this metric.

Overall, golf in the region is still in the early stages of golf participation development, especially in the massive market of Saudi Arabia, where Golf Saudi and the Saudi Golf Federation are making massive inroads into inspiring golfers of all ages and levels through its Mass Participation Mission, introducing, educating and entertaining both the young and old through an array of programmes.

The Middle East — and UAE in particular — continues to host multiple elite events and is growing in popularity as a golf tourism destination.

Source: R&A

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity has surged in recent years, which is reflected in a notable increase in the number of people playing the sport in both traditional on-course and alternative formats.

“It is significant that 10 million more golfers are playing on the course since 2016, but it is also important that millions of others are engaged in golf through many other alternative formats, such as driving ranges, which are so vital to the growth of the sport.

“It also underlines why effective and impactful participation programmes are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. We are working closely with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders within golf to sustain this momentum. We thank them for their efforts as we aim to ensure that golf is thriving for years to come.”

The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over ten years in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation by promoting the health benefits of the sport through a global campaign.

Definitions
1. REGISTERED GOLFERS: These are the number of golfers who are affiliated to a federation (they may be members of golf clubs or affiliated to the federation in another way: eg, through a direct subscription).
2. UNREGISTERED 9 AND 18 HOLE GOLFERS: Golfers who have played on a full length nine or 18 hole golf course at least once in the last year, but are not registered with their national association.

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The proposed rollback of the golf ball by the USGA and the R&A is now moving to its next, and perhaps most definitive — and potentially most contentious — stage.

The deadline for companies, golf associations and individuals to file documents with the USGA and R&A on a proposed rule that could essentially roll back the ball for elite male professional events like the US Open and Open Championship passed on Monday, and while the ruling bodies have not made public any of the comments they received, they apparently received plenty.

The USGA released a statement to Golf Digest on Thursday that reads: “The close of the comment period marks another important step in a thorough and inclusive governance process for golf. We’re grateful for the insightful feedback we’ve received across the game. It’s now our job, in partnership with The R&A, to thoroughly review this latest round of information we’ve received. One thing is clear‑there are many who care about golf’s future as much as we do, and all voices play a critical role as we determine the best path forward. We anticipate providing further direction on this topic in the coming months.”

The distance issue has been a front button topic for the R&A for the last five years, culminating in an announcement in March seeking comment from any and all constituents on a proposal to institute a new testing procedure for golf balls. That new test could be used to create what’s called a Model Local Rule, which is basically a stipulation that an event or tour could put in place for its participants. This particular stipulation would raise the swing speed used for testing balls for conformance in specified events from 120 miles per hour to 127 miles per hour. That could reduce driving distances by as much as 20 yards. The USGA and R&A have stated firmly they would plan to implement such a rule at their respective open championships, and they have stated that “the MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf”. As proposed, it would go into effect beginning in 2026.

Recently, both the PGA Tour and the PGA of America released statements saying they will not support the proposed rollback MLR. As well, several manufacturers contacted by Golf Digest have expressed their disagreement with the need for any such MLR on golf ball distance, off the record. However, no statements or documents on the comments they’ve received have been made public by the ruling bodies, and it appears the next step is several months away. That next step could be a decision to go forward with the proposed MLR, to pull back from any proposed distance-related changes, or to adjust any of the specifics in the current proposed ruling or testing process, thus beginning another notice and comment period.

According to the USGA’s official process for making equipment rule changes, comments will be published on the USGA and R&A websites, although “appropriate controls will be in place to prevent comments from being published without the submitter’s permission”. Under the terms of the process, “The USGA and The R&A will consider all comments equally, whether or not the submitter gives permission for the comments to be published.”

USGA’s Mike Whan. Rob Carr

While the official guidelines for the equipment rulemaking process stress transparency, it is also clearly stated that the final decision rests with the USGA and the R&A. The leaders of both organisations, USGA CEO Mike Whan and R&A CEO Martin Slumbers, have been clear that a change to distance at the elite level of men’s golf is required. Whan said in announcing the proposed MLR in March: “You want to critique the USGA and the R&A over the last 20 years, on: ‘Why didn’t you do this five, seven, 10 years ago?’ Fair comment, and we’ve taken that on, too. But taking another 10 years off, looking the other way and saying: ‘Distance is great, everybody is excited, and of course [distance] is going to grow by more than a yard a year for the next 20 years, and we all know it but we’ll just turn the other cheek’? Well, that would be a shame.”

The PGA of America’s memorandum to the USGA on the MLR, which was co-signed by eight other PGAs worldwide, called for the ruling bodies to pause and reconsider the “unintended consequences” of the proposed change. “We fear that the proposed changes could seriously interrupt the current momentum in the game and be fundamentally damaging and detrimental in the long run. We are also very aware that there are sets of data that conflict with the R&A and USGA materials … We would ask that the R&A and USGA firstly extend the consultation period to allow a review of the conflicting data being presented and for more data to be gathered to prove or disprove if change is indeed required.”

Currently on the PGA Tour, the average driving distance is 299.8, 0.2 yards ahead of where it was this time a year ago. While that marks the fifth time since 2015 that the average declined or was less than a yard, four other times that increase was 2.5 yards or more. If it finishes at that number, it would be 12.4 yards ahead of where it was in 2013. As well, the percentage of drives 320 yards or longer was about seven per cent 10 years ago. Today, it is 19.45 per cent. Conversely, according to data provided by Arccos, the GPS stat-tracking app that’s recorded more than 750 million shots, the average drive for the average male golfer dropped by half a yard from 2018 to 2022 to 226 yards.

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Just two-and-a-half weeks after giving away a record prize money payout at the Open Championship, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers was at it again on the eve of the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath. In announcing an increase in the overall purse by 23 per cent from a year ago at Muirfield, the fifth and final women’s major will now hand out a record $9 million, the winner collecting a first-place cheque of $1.35 million.

There was also good news for golf’s top female players in the announcement that title sponsor AIG is on board through 2030. And more again in the message that the championship will visit Royal Lytham in 2026, following in the immediate footsteps of the Old Course at St Andrews next year and Royal Porthcawl in 2025.

“When I look at what we have achieved in the last five years, I personally am incredibly proud,” said Slumbers, the R&A having taken over the administration of the tournament in 2018. “The future of women’s golf is bright, and it’s up to us with the support of the wider industry to take bold steps in a way that is financially sustainable to ensure our aspirations become reality. Part of the elevation of the AIG Women’s Open is to stage it on the best courses that present the greatest challenge, as is evident this week here at Walton Heath. We are hosted by great courses and we are showcasing the world’s greatest women’s golfers at a truly international championship.”

For 2023, the @AIGWomensOpen prize fund will increase by 23 percent to $9 million ? pic.twitter.com/psEI7NO2PS

— The R&A (@RandA) August 9, 2023

The increase in prize money falls in line with what happened at the other women’s majors this year.

CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP
2021 purse: $3 million ($465,000 to the winner)
2022 purse: $5 million ($750,000)
2023 purse: $5.1 million ($765,000)

KPMG WOMEN’S PGA
2021 purse: $4.5 million ($675,000)
2022 purse: $9 million ($1.35 million)
2023 purse: $10 million ($1.5 million)

US WOMEN’S OPEN
2021 purse: $5.5 million ($1 million)
2022 purse: $10 million ($1.8 million)
2023 purse: $11 million ($2 million)

AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
2021 purse: $4.5 million ($675,000
2022 purse: $6.5 million ($1 million)
2023 purse: $6.5 million ($1 million)

Also on the rise is the number of spectators expected this week in England. While the Women’s Open pulls in nowhere the size of galleries seen at the men’s equivalent, things are looking up.

“It is a challenge for all women’s golf to get people to come and watch,” Slumbers said. “So we did a lot of research in an effort to find out how we get people who don’t currently play golf to come and watch this championship. It’s not usually a challenge we have with the men’s open. We had 265,000 two weeks ago at Hoylake and 290,000 a year ago at St Andrews. But we had 30,000 at Muirfield for the Women’s Open.

“We wanted to attract families, and we wanted to attract young girls who do not necessarily play golf but who want to come and have a good day,” he continued. “So what we needed to create is a family centred environment, which is what we’ve tried to do here. We are going to be around 50,000 for this week, a fantastic achievement. Women’s golf needs to differentiate itself from men’s golf and not just be a smaller version of men’s golf. What we are trying to do here is create a different identity, one we hope will allow these great players to show us how good they are.”

It is a sound formula: Build it, pay them well and they will come.

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Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton will use her star power to support The R&A’s drive to make more people aware of the benefits of playing golf and inspire new audiences to take up the sport as a Global Development Ambassador.

Newton, 26, has previously starred in Big Little Lies, The Society, Golden Globe and Bafta award-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and returned to big screens around the world in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Having amassed 2.4 million followers on social media, Newton will use the platforms to post about her love for golf and what she enjoys most about the sport in order to encourage fans to pick up a golf club for the first time through The R&A’s recently launched development initiative golf.golf.

She started playing golf aged four, competing at the age of eight and now plays off a handicap of four.

Kathryn Newton. R&A

Newton said: “I love playing golf and really want to show everyone why it’s such a good sport so that we can get them playing too. Golf is a chance to be outside, spend time with friends and be active. There are so many great things about the sport and I can’t wait to share them with my audiences.”

A passionate supporter of women’s golf, Newton will attend the Women in Sport Summit at Walton Heath on Wednesday ahead of the AIG Women’s Open which tees off on Thursday.

RELATED: Kathryn Newton breaks driver, doesn’t need it as she sinks 16 birdie putts in scramble event

“I am so excited to be attending the AIG Women’s Open, I cannot wait to watch the world’s best players in action,” she added.

“Last year, I was lucky enough to play some holes with Georgia Hall, who has won the Women’s Open, which was so inspiring. These women are such incredible athletes and I would encourage everyone to come out to Walton Heath to watch and learn from them too.

“To be also invited to be a guest speaker at the Women in Sport Summit, where I can share my passion for golf with a room full of like-minded women, who are some of the leading voices in their chosen professionals, is a real honour.”

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said: “Golf has experienced a surge of interest with participation rising worldwide and so we need to capitalise on this opportunity for the sport by continuing the momentum. It is why we are working closely with Kathryn and our other ambassadors to position golf to millions of people as a fun activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, while debunking some of the unhelpful perceptions that exist.

“Kathryn is an avid golfer who is enthusiastic about getting more people into golf and we are grateful for her commitment towards supporting our aim of ensuring golf is thriving 50 years from now.”

Niall Horan. R&A

Newton joins major champion Michelle Wie West, football superstar Gareth Bale and global music sensation Niall Horan as Global Development Ambassadors appointed by The R&A to utilise the power of influencers from the sports and entertainment industries to broaden golf’s appeal and image.

Gareth Bale. PGA Tour

The R&A’s appointed Modest! Golf, founded by Horan, to work on golf.golf, an ambitious pilot initiative to encourage people to learn to play golf at a diverse range of golf facilities across Scotland.

Bale features in The R&A’s ‘Golf is Good’ campaign, first piloted in Wales last year, which builds on scientific research to promote the health and well-being benefits of playing the sport through creative storytelling.

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In a move that could have significant implications for the USGA and R&A proposal to roll back golf ball distance at the elite level, the World Alliance of PGAs has asked the governing bodies to indefinitely halt its march toward the changes.

In a memo obtained by Golf Channel and signed by PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh, the alliance — which includes nine PGAs from around the world — wrote: “We strongly believe in the need to completely scope out all unintended consequences before the introduction of any significant change. Whilst many aspects have been considered we are worried that the proposed changes will have far reaching implications for our game.”

The USGA and R&A announced in March a proposed Model Local Rule that would limit golf ball distance for elite competition beginning in January 2026. Recreational golfers would not be affected, but the proposal stirred a strong and divided debate about whether having different balls for elite players and everyday golfers was good for the game.

Last month, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said in a memo to players that the tour would not use the proposed MLR in competition, though he added that he would work with the governing bodies to find an eventual solution.

In their memo, the PGAs, which represent thousands of teaching professionals, say they are “firmly opposed” to bifurcation of the golf ball: “It is something that we feel would lead to division and cause us to lose a very precious characteristic of golf; the fact that we all play on the same course with the same clubs and balls. In our view, this dynamic should be preserved as a fundamental tenet.”

The PGAs cited operational issues, including policing players, retailers and driving ranges having to stock two different kinds of balls, and golfers playing different balls for different events, as reasons it opposes the proposal. The PGAs cited the effect on golf courses and handicap systems and said the governing bodies’ suggestion that elite women players could still play a “recreational” ball could be viewed “very negatively at a time when we are all trying to promote and champion women’s golf and participation”.

The PGAs noted that there was “conflicting data” in regards to the rollback and proposed that the PGA World Alliance work with other industry members to produce a “white paper” that would review all data and possibly include “alternative solutions”.

The notice and comment period for the proposed MLR is set to end next Monday, and the PGAs are asking that the governing bodies push back their implementation of the rollback and keep the status quo as the industry further contemplates “the thorny challenges of bifurcation.”

The PGAs offered to discuss the matter with the USGA and R&A. The USGA responded to the memo, as it did with the PGA Tour, by saying, “We remain in a Notice & Comment period, accepting feedback from voices from across the game. The PGA is an important stakeholder and we appreciate the feedback they have contributed to this conversation.”

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