April 2023 Ohio Golf Journal

Amateur” events. Average recreational golfers will still play the current ball. Golf Datatech analyzed data from over 1,250 avid golfers who are active and purchase golf equipment. As such, their opinions are particularly important and valued by the golfing community. Opinions on the Proposed Rule: • 52% don’t like the proposed rule. • 23% are in favor of the proposed rule. • 13% don’t know enough yet to have an opinion. • 12% don’t care. Among those who DO NOT SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule (647 respondents): • 72% indicate they “like knowing that everyone plays by the same rules.” • 55% don’t think it is necessary. • 43% believe it “complicates” the rules. • 7% indicate they play “high level competition” and the proposed rule complicates things for them. Open End Feedback among those who DO NOT SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule includes: • It penalizes Elite players for being Elite. • Many like to play the same equipment as the Elite players to see how they are the same/different. • Some feel the ball is being held accountable, when the focus should be on clubs. • There is an undercurrent of golfers who are concerned that the expense of designing and making two different balls will ultimately have to be born by the consumer, and golf ball prices will rise as a result. Among those who SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule (293 respondents): • 85% don’t want to see the classic courses made obsolete. • 45% believe technological improvements are ruining the game. • 39% feel Tour Pros hit the ball “too far.” Ohio Golf Journal

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