‘I don’t understand how that’s better!’ - Justin Thomas in fighting mood as he reacts to proposed new rules

PGA TOUR star Justin Thomas has sounded off on the latest debate to creep into the golfing sphere after the governing bodies announced significant changes on Tuesday about rolling the ball back and it’s safe to say he is far from a fan of the idea. What the United States Golfing Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient (R&A) have proposed is a new golf ball testing standard for elite competition that would limit performance by 20 yards or more in a move hoped to curb the distance a ball could fly.

Their new ‘Model Local Rule’ (MLR), as they’ve called it, could come into play as early as January 2026 should it get through its review period. Ad Valspar Championship'Disappointed and also not surprised' — Thomas not impressed with new rule proposals35 MINUTES AGO Speaking ahead of the Valspar Championship, which tees off on Thursday at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, 29-year-old Thomas, fields the question about the proposal and went on an all-time rant.

“My reaction [to the proposal] was disappointed and also not surprised, to be honest. I think the USGA over the years has — in my eyes, it's harsh, but made some pretty selfish decisions.

They definitely, in my mind, have done a lot of things that aren't for the betterment of the game, although they claim it. I had conversations with some USGA members and it just — to me, I don't understand how it's growing the game.

For them to say in the same sentence that ‘golf is in the best place it's ever been, everything is great, but…’, I'm like, well, there shouldn't be a but.” The MLR could set a course for bifurcation, which would draw a definitive line in the sand between professional players like Thomas, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy and every day golfers. This unique