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Golf Legends Urge 15-Yard Ball Rollback to Preserve Course Integrity

ESPN General •
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Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson called for reducing driving distances by 15 yards to protect golf’s heritage, criticizing modern equipment’s impact on historic courses. Player labeled the trend a "tragedy," arguing that par-5s no longer challenge players as intended. The trio emphasized that rollbacks should target professionals, sparing amateurs, while Fred Ridley of Augusta National defended the need to "preserve the essence of the game." The USGA and R&A plan to finalize rules by 2030, with input ending April 16.