Gary Player issues '500 yards' warning as controversial rules debate wages on

07 April 2023 , 13:56

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Gary Player has backed plans to reduce ball distance in golf (Image: Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Golf legend Gary Player has joined calls for the sport's governing bodies to follow through with plans to curb striking distance.

In fact, 'Mr. Fitness' believes the current proposals to use balls that would reduce distance by 15 to 20 yards aren't severe enough given athlete will soon "be hitting the ball 500 yards." Player, 87, has called for intervention in the past as ball distances continue to increase and is glad to hear talk of reductions being implemented.

"What perturbs me, is I said years back, I said on British television to Peter Alliss on BBC that players would hit the ball 400 yards, and he told me I was talking nonsense," said Player after teeing off at the 2023 Masters as an honorary starter. "And now what I know is a fact, they will be hitting the ball 500 yards.

"They hit the ball 474 at the long driving. Jack and I were watching television the other day, we have never had a big man play golf here, guys, and ladies. These guys had thighs this big. They were 6'8". So thank goodness Augusta have been smart and have tried to get the players today to hit the same clubs we hit in our time. And of all the tournaments in the world, they have done the best."

The R&A and USGA officially proposed the 'Model Local Rule' in March, which would see the new balls brought into practice for elite players in 2026. The decision has caused debate among current athletes, pundits and fans alike, with some deeming it a change for the better, while others consider it a backwards step.

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Do you agree with Player that ball-striking distance needs to be curbed? Let us know in the comments section.

Nine-time major-winner Gary Player has predicted golfers will soon be hitting the ball "500 yards" unless something is done to reduce striking distance (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy suggested the change was a waste of resources when speculation over a ball rule change first emerged in February 2021. However, the Northern Irishman has since altered that stance and is now in support of the switch.

Player went on to say authorities "have got to cut the ball back; otherwise, the technology and the whole objective of golf is going to be imbalanced." Those with a big swing may not be as affected by the tweak if the plans for 2026 do go ahead, but those who rely on the shorter game could see their game heavily impacted.

Rory McIlroy has changed his stance on the ball distance proposals and is now in support of reform (Getty Images)

"Personally I'm really delighted to see them making an effort," added the South African. "There's been a lot of talk about it. Twenty yards is not enough. If you look into the future, you have to cut it back for pros. Leave it for the amateurs as it is. But for the players, you have to cut it back 40 yards."

Fellow legend Jack Nicklaus, who also hit a ceremonial tee-off at Augusta National on Thursday, agreed with Player and suggested "we are going to run out of land" unless something is done. Tom Watson added to the debate by explaining bifurcation becomes most complicated at the 'elite amateur' level but generally supported the notion of a 'pro ball' being brought in.

Tom Sunderland