Golf ball changes will bring back skills, says McIlroy

LONDON: Rory McIlroy says golf ball rules announced on Wednesday aimed at taming the biggest hitters will bring certain “skills” back to the sport and make it more entertaining. The longest hitters are expected to lose up to 15 yards in driving distance under regulations relating to ball specifications set out by the game´s governing bodies, the UK-based R&A and US Golf Association.

The new rules will apply at elite level from 2028 and for recreational players from 2030. “I think it´ll just bring back some skills into the pro game that have maybe been lost and I actually think it´ll make the pro game more entertaining to watch,” McIlroy, a four-time major winner, told Sky Sports. “I think you´re going to see a different variety of games succeed.” The R&A and USGA said they wanted to protect the integrity of golf courses, including their overall length, and ensure that a variety of skills were required for success.