While most of the reactions towards the USGA and the R&A making changes to the official rules of golf, there were some concerns from PGA Tour players.
Graham DeLaet was one of the pros who expressed their concern over the changes, stating that he thinks amateurs and pros should have two different books. He then proceeded to roast the USGA calling the committee “an old boys club”.
Fact is, there’s an old boys club based in New Jersey that have never hit a shot on Tour who make decisions that affect our families
— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) March 1, 2017
…and the best part…they don’t even know the rules! See 2016 US Open
— Graham DeLaet (@GrahamDeLaet) March 1, 2017
He’s referring to the US Open where Dustin Johnson won, but not before a controversial ruling that took officials way too long to give an answer. DJ was left in the dark for most of the final round after that moment, which he handled amazingly, but should have never occurred.
SEE ALSO: Tiger Woods gives his view on the USGA’s disgraceful handling of Dustin Johnson
DaLaet backtracked a bit and tweeted:
“I think the changes are moving the right direction for golf, but I think professional golf should have its own book.”
A few other pros mirrored that sentiment, including Daniel Berger and Justin Thomas.
Maybe there should be professional rules and amateur rules because I’m not getting a good vibe about some of these proposed changes
— Daniel Berger (@DanielBerger59) March 1, 2017
Agree with this. Some rules good, others not crazy about ( fixing spike marks will be abused, grounding club in bunkers) https://t.co/egpjlRm6V9
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) March 1, 2017
On the other hand, pro Ian Poulter decided to give constructive criticism of the rule book, which is exactly what the USGA and the R&A want. Pros and amateurs alike have the ability to send in concerns or suggestions to their websites until August 31st of this year.
I hope the @RandA and @USGA address this situation. Some players are in agreement about these greens books. Too much time wasted in a book. pic.twitter.com/EED0yJckH2
— Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) March 1, 2017
Tiger Woods, Luke Donald, and Jim Furyk were other professionals to comment on the changes, saying that they were happy to see the rules simplified. You can’t really be too mad at the organization for trying to modernize the game, but the pros definitely have a lot more riding on the rules than the average joe shmoe.
Let’s just say the USGA and R&A will have their work cut out for them in the next few months.
In case you missed it, here are some of the new rule changes:
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