April 2023 Ohio Golf Journal

• 26% don’t hit it like a tour pro, so they don’t really care what the Elite players use. Open End Feedback among those who SUPPORT the Modified Local Rule: • A shorter ball will bring more skill back to the game for Elite players. • Concern that bigger/longer golf courses require more resources to maintain (capital, water, fertilizer, etc.), and ultimately will create a sustainability case against the sport. Respondents were also asked what impact the proposed new rule will have on their personal enjoyment of the game, and results were as follows: • 79% indicated it will not have any effect on their own enjoyment. • 17% said it might make the game less enjoyable. • 4% believe it might make the game more enjoyable. • 1% indicated they will no longer enjoy the game. “While the majority of Serious Golfers polled are opposed to the proposed Modified Local Rule, ultimately most do not think it will have a direct impact on their own personal enjoyment of the game. What this survey did not evaluate is what are the potential ramifications on interest in the professional game? Will there be less interest in watching Elite players compete on some of the world’s biggest stages if they are using a shorter/ modified golf ball? That is yet to be determined, but what is certain is that this topic is not going away and we will continue to analyze the issue in the weeks ahead.”

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