Long hitter McIlroy "Supports golf ball distance regulation"

Interview with Internet Broadcast 'No Laying Up' Claims
"Helps Identify Who the Best Player Is"

World No. 3 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) recently expressed support for the golf ball distance regulation measures announced by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA), the governing bodies of the global golf rules.

On the 23rd (Korean time), McIlroy said in an interview with the online broadcast 'No Laying Up', "I know most of my fellow players oppose the distance regulation, but in my opinion, this measure will help determine who the best player is." The R&A and USGA announced last week in a joint statement that they would limit the golf ball distance to no more than 317-320 yards when hit with a swing speed of 127 mph.

World No. 3 Rory McIlroy has expressed support for regulations limiting golf ball distance.

The reason for the golf ball distance regulation is due to concerns over various issues arising from the continuous increase in players' driving distances. The average driving distance of PGA Tour players increased from 286 yards in 2003 to 297.2 yards this season. The game has increasingly relied on long drives, and as courses have lengthened accordingly, issues such as rising maintenance costs and negative environmental impacts have emerged.

While the majority of players, including Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau (both from the United States), have collectively opposed the measure as "incomprehensible," McIlroy's support is an unusual response, considering he leads the long-drive category this season on the PGA Tour with an average of 326.6 yards. McIlroy emphasized, "Innovation is a part of every sport, and the same applies from an industrial perspective. However, if such innovation surpasses the path the sport has taken, I think that is a problem."

McIlroy also viewed the PGA Tour's reserved stance of conducting a broad and independent review on this matter negatively. He said, "If major championships follow this rule but the PGA Tour does not, the gap between major tournaments and regular tour events will widen further," adding, "Even if the PGA Tour does not implement this rule, I will comply with the distance limitation regulations and prepare for the major championships."