If for some reason you don’t already follow Phil Mickelson on social media, especially Twitter, now would be a good time to start.
After the USGA and R&A announced a new driver length rule on Tuesday, the reigning PGA Championship winner took to Twitter with a “stupid is as stupid does” reaction. But he wasn’t done. On Wednesday, Mickelson continued to share his pleasure on Twitter with the new Model Local Rule that, starting Jan. 1, 2022, reduces the length of non-putters from 48 inches to 46 inches.
“It is extremely disappointing to find out that the PGA Tour adopted the new USGA rule through the media. I don’t know of any player who had any say or any kind of representation in this matter,” wrote Mickelson. “I do know many are wondering if there’s a better way.”
OPINION: USGA, R&A’s club-length rule might be the first shot in a larger battle over distance
It is extremely disappointing to find out that the PGA Tour adopted the new USGA rule through the media. I don’t know of any player who had any say or any kind of representation in this matter.
I do know many are wondering if there’s a better way.
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) October 13, 2021
In a statement given to Golfweek on Tuesday afternoon, the PGA Tour announced that it would implement the local rule on Jan. 1:
“The PGA Tour collaborates with the USGA and R&A regularly on equipment matters, as well as with other industry stakeholders. We have been aware of research in regard to limiting club length since 2014, and more recently the Local Rule proposed early in 2021 and announced today. After understanding the feedback received from the golf manufacturing community, we also undertook a survey of usage of clubs in use across the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions and the Korn Ferry Tour and found that a very small number of players either have used or are currently using clubs greater than 46 inches,” the statement read. “The PGA Tour Player Advisory Council recently reviewed the subject and we have concluded that the PGA Tour will implement the Local Rule on January 1, 2022. The adoption of this Local Rule on Tour is consistent with other equipment rules changes we have supported since 2003.”