Newly appointed PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague is pulling no punches when it comes to rolling back the golf ball: he and his association don’t support it.
The USGA and R&A announced new equipment standards in December 2023 that will effectively reduce the distance conforming golf balls travel beginning in 2028 for elite professionals and 2030 for recreational players. In an interview with Golf Digest during last week’s PGA Show, Sprague reiterated and expanded upon previous public comments suggesting that the rollback is ill-advised and should be reconsidered.
“I think it’s time to just hit the pause button, bring the leaders together with the governing bodies, and get us all around the table,” Sprague said. “What problem are we trying to solve and let’s solve it.”
In the interview, Sprague voiced a sense of urgency to reframe the problem and suggested that the PGA of America had not been adequately consulted during the process that resulted in a change to the test procedure for the Overall Distance Standard. In previous comments, Sprague indicated PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan also opposes the new golf ball rules. READ MORE
Global Golf Post’s John Steinbreder won first-place honors in two categories in the 31st annual International Network of Golf Media Awards, which were announced last Wednesday at the PGA Show. Steinbreder took top honors in business writing with his article “Arizona Star” and in travel writing for his story “Inner Peace On The Outer Banks.” READ MORE
Cabot Citrus Farms, a 57-hole property developed on the site of the former World Woods Golf Club in Brooksville, Florida, marked its grand opening last week. The 1,200-acre complex includes two 18-hole courses, dubbed Karoo and Roost; two shorter courses of 10 and 11 holes, respectively; a two-acre putting course; and a driving range with Trackman technology. READ MORE
The PGA of America REACH Foundation and the South Florida PGA section have established a PGA Jr. League Opportunity League at The Park in West Palm Beach, Florida, endowed in the name of Dan Baker, a PGA professional and longtime golf industry executive who died in an auto accident in December. The league will provide free access to golf for children in need. READ MORE
Tap-Ins
The England men’s squad won the Octagonal Match at Costa Ballena in Spain on Saturday, securing the title on matches won following a halved final with Switzerland. READ MORE
The Annika Foundation announced the creation of the Annika Inspiration Award, an annual honor that will recognize exceptional alumnae who have made a meaningful impact on the world beyond the golf course. READ MORE
The Golf Coaches Association of America is accepting applications for the 2025 Ron Balicki Scholarship for aspiring golf journalists through March 1. READ MORE
The Advocates Professional Golf Association Tour, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African American and other diverse golfers to excel in professional golf, named Solomon Hughes as its chief operating officer. READ MORE
Compiled by Mike Cullity