Out Of Touch’ – Brandel Chamblee Takes Aim At Golf’s Governing Bodies Over Supposed Rollback Plans

The Golf Channel analyst said ‘over 50 million global golfers’ were not in favour of the USGA and R&A reportedly reducing the distance golf balls can travel

Brandel Chamblee, an analyst for Golf Channel, feels that two of the sport’s governing bodies are “out of touch” with the typical golfer in light of upcoming reports regarding the release of a significant golf ball rollback plan.

First reported by Golf Digest, the USGA and R&A are expected to announce a change to how far the ball can travel which will affect every single person who participates in the sport by using conforming equipment.

In effect, from 2030, anyone who plays golf should use a ball that travels up to 15% less than its predecessor.

Many well-known figures have voiced their opinions since the initial wave of stories broke. One such figure is Rory McIlroy, who, after a four-year hiatus, returned to X (formerly Twitter) and posted an impassioned tirade in support of the purported decision.

The most well-known figure to publicly declare his support for the “50 million+ golfers” who oppose any changes to rollback regulations was former professional golfer Chamblee.

Chamblee said: “I appreciate the governing bodies and what they mean to the game, but on the roll back issue they are not only out of touch with the game they govern, but the people that play it.

“It is a very small number of people that are in favor of a roll back. Golf course architects of which there are what, maybe a hundred or so? Golf course architect geeks of which there are maybe a few thousand? And a very few tour players and former tour players, compared to 50 million global golfers against it and 28,000 PGA of America members against it and most every single touring professional against it.

“The USGA report states that the average LPGA tour player carries the ball 220 yards, the average male amateur 215 yards, and the average female amateur 147 yards. However, because a select few tour players—thanks to years of training, countless hours in the gym, and yes, technological advancements—can carry the ball 283.8 yards (the tour average for 2023)—they wish to penalize 50 million golfers. Please.

“Recognize the elite athletes’ athleticism, but don’t penalize the players who will be negatively impacted by this choice.”