Justin Thomas has criticised the USGA and R&A for their proposed new rule change of rolling the ball back to curtail how far it’s hit in the men’s professional game.
The new rule, which will not affect the balls used by amateur players, would come into play in 2026 if adopted.
Golf’s governing bodies claim it would reduce the tee shots of the longest hitters by around 14 to 15 yards.
And Thomas, who is averaging 303 yards off the tee this season, insists the move isn’t good for golf.
“They (USGA) definitely, in my mind, have done a lot of things that aren’t for the betterment of the game, although they claim it,” said Thomas at his Valspar Championship press conference.
“I had conversations with some USGA members and I don’t understand how it’s growing the game.
“They’re basing it off the top 0.1 percent of all golfers. You know what I mean?
“Why are this group of call it 5 to 15-handicapped amateurs determining the rules of golf for professional golfers or why are they saying that we have to do something?
“I don’t know how many of y’all consistently play golf in here, but I promise none of you have come in from the golf course and said, ‘I’m hitting it so far and straight today that golf’s just not even fun anymore’. It’s just not reality.
“People are running faster, so, what, are they just going to make the length of a mile longer so that the fastest mile time doesn’t change, or are they going to put the NBA hoop at 13 feet because people can jump higher now?
“Like, no. It’s evolution. We’re athletes now. We’re training to hit the ball further and faster and if you can do it, so good for you. As you can tell, I’m clearly against it.”
“You’re trying to create a solution for a problem that doesn’t exist.” – Thomas
The two-time Major Champion also offered a defence for amateur players, insisting golf is a unique sport where everyone can participate on a level playing field.
“For an everyday amateur golfer, it’s very unique that we are able to play the exact same equipment,” added Thomas.
“Yeah, I understand that I may have a different grind on a wedge, whatever you want to call it, but you can go to the pro shop and buy the same golf ball that I play or Scottie Scheffler plays or whatever.
“Rolling the ball back is only going to help somebody who hits it far and is a good ball-striker. It’s just an advantage for me even more than I have and I’m still not for it.
“It’s just a bigger picture. It’s about the game of golf. If I can hear some reasons that claim it’s better for the game of golf, then so be it, but I’ve yet to hear any.”
Thomas isn’t the only high-profile player to vocally object the plans, with fellow big-hitter Bryson DeChambeau also in agreement.
