The ball started last October with the release of ticket prices for the Ryder Cup in Bethpage, which we can safely say were not cheap, followed by a heated debate.
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Less than a month later, the atmosphere has returned to being lively thanks to the controversy sparked by the news of the governing body's intention to award compensation (let's call a spade a spade, Ed.) to the 12 members of Team USA who will take to the field in New York.
La PGA of America ribadisce il suo no al rollback della palla da golf
Pga, results
Well, with these precedents, 2025 could only begin with another shake-up to the environment.
On the sidelines of the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Derek Sprague, the newly installed CEO of the PGA of America, firmly reiterated the body's position on the rollback of the golf ball.
We have a statement that we were against the rollback (dating back to August 2023, when Seth Vaugh was still in office, Editors note)
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Well, thats our position, and its getting stronger as we get closer to the timeframe for it to go into effect.
Sprague expressed the urgency of reformulating the issue, but its clear that in order to do so, the R&A and the USGA must first be convinced, as they are adamant about following through on the timetable for the introduction of the depowered ball.
The new CEO also highlighted the fact that the PGA of America was not adequately consulted during the process of changing the Overall Distance Standard test procedure.
In short, it is now clear that two very distinct camps have formed, with the R&A and the USGA (the regulatory bodies) on one side, and the professional associations (plus some National Federations, Editor's note) on the other, and it is equally evident that, in the absence of an open debate, the situation is destined to stagnate.
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The rules of golf are relatively complicated compared to other sports because they are played outdoors, close to nature and animals. Respecting the rules is a basic element in the game of golf, which, almost always based on self-control and the free conscience of the players, often sees distorted results, sometimes consciously, but often unconsciously or through carelessness, due to the non-observance by many players of the rules of the game. In addition to the rules, golf adheres to a code of conduct, known as etiquette, which generally means playing the game with due respect for the golf course and other players. Etiquette is an essential component of this sport.
