Golf ball test changes require further consultation, Acushnet insists
Golf equipment manufacturer Acushnet has expressed concern that proposed changes to the properties of golf balls will have too great an impact on the game.
Governing bodies the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced the changes on December 6, saying they wanted to “reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability”. The proposed changes are to take effect from 2028.
Acushnet chief executive, David Maher, has issued a statement to say there needed to be a fuller evaluation of the proposed “equipment rollback” to make sure there was “a high degree of consensus and support” for what he said would “meaningful change” to people’s experience of playing golf.
One of the brands in the Acushnet group, Titelist, achieved sales revenues of $622.1 million from golf balls in the first nine months of 2023, representing growth of 13.9% year on year. Revenues from Titelist golf balls accounted for more than 30% of all group income in the January-September period.
“We believe that further collaboration and cooperation with the R&A, USGA and other stakeholders is critical prior to moving forward with such a significant equipment regulation change,” Mr Maher said. “We advocate for stakeholders to convene to have a meaningful examination of this decision and its consequences, and to discuss alternatives as we look to protect golfers’ enjoyment of the game and the health of golf courses around the world to ensure golf’s promising future.”
