Rory McIlroy: Rule Changes & # 039; stench of self-righteousness & # 039;
McIlroy has won four majors
Golf authorities have "millions of dollars" for "the wrong thing" in their attempt to change rules to limit the distances players can hit ball, says Rory McIlroy.
A new rule appears to limit the length of clubs to 46 inches, and other changes are also being considered.
McIlroy, 31, said rule makers should focus on grassroots golf after the sport's "incredible boom" in 2020.
" It certainly doesn't have to happen, "said the Northern Irishman.
"This pandemic has been so good for golf and the fact is they are looking at the wrong thing.
" They have millions of dollars released on this Distance Insights Report, which I don't think is ange the game at all.
"There may be new rules for manufacturers, but manufacturers will find a way to get around them, they are that good.
" So those millions of dollars should have been put back into the base of the game. ”
& # 39; Smells of Self-Righteousness & # 39;
The Distance Insights- project is managed by governing bodies the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Regulations limiting the length of clubs are expected to be introduced before the Masters in April
The governing bodies will also collect feedback on the possible use of a local rule specifying the use of clubs and balls that a player can use. Implementing such a rule would allow flexibility for tournament organizers. Eden.
World Number Six McIlroy said the project "smells of self-importance."
"Yes, they are the gatekeepers of the game and their job is, yes, to make sure the game thrives in 100 years, and this is not the way to make it. do it, ”he said.
"The way to do it is to get more people into the game by making golf more accessible, and just piling up rules for people doesn't make it appropriate. "
In response to McIlroy & # 39; s comments, an R&A spokesperson said: "We have said all along that we would openly conduct this process and seek feedback from serious voices during golfing.
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"So we welcome and will consider the contributions of players and others involved in the sport. We continue with this important topic. "
American Bryson DeChambeau has said that he is" flattered " by the possible rule changes given his status as one of the biggest drivers of the game.
"I'm going to do what they say is legal and find the best way for me to play by the rules of golf," DeChambeau said this week.
DeChambeau experimented with a 48-inch axle on his driver in the run-up to last November's Masters, but stuck with his standard 45½-inch driver for the tournament.
