McIlroy Advocates for Course Integrity: “Roll Back” the Ball

McIlroy’s Plea for Course Integrity

Golf sensation Rory McIlroy has added his voice to the growing chorus advocating for a “roll back” in technological advancements in golf balls, arguing that it would preserve the integrity of golf courses.

Wet Conditions Level the Playing Field at WissAshickon

McIlroy’s comments, made during the PGA Tour’s WissAshickon event, came after a more challenging second day due to wetter conditions. Despite the change in weather, 10 players still managed to break the previous record for the course.

“It would be great to be able to play courses of this style as the architect intended.

Rory McIlroy on the historic WissAshickon course

“It was a little more strategic today,” McIlroy explained, appreciative of the course’s challenge, but his personal power game was somewhat stifled by the humid air. His longest drive measured at 303 meters, a significant drop from the prior day’s nine drives over 305 meters.

McIlroy’s Case for a “Bridged” Ball

McIlroy, a vocal proponent of the “roll back,” blamed the modern golf ball’s distance for making certain classic courses feel too short. “If the ball didn’t fly so far, this course would be great,” he argued. “Not that it isn’t, but it’s probably too short by 500 or 600 yards at the moment.”

“It would be great to be able to play courses of this style as the architect intended. The conditions today let you realize that a bit more.”

FAQ

What is a “roll back” in golf?

A “roll back” in golf refers to the idea of returning golf balls to their pre-2002 design, which flew shorter but had a more predictable roll.

Why does McIlroy support a “roll back” in golf balls?

McIlroy believes a “roll back” would preserve the integrity of classic golf courses, preventing them from being rendered too short by modern golf balls’ increased distance.