USGA rolls back for all of us!

GM. This is Easy Pars. The golf newsletter that loves how good 2023 has been for golf.

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• A reflection on what was is 2023 in professional golf

• Rahm just needs to come out and say it

• Performance enhancing balls will be a thing

2023 is an amazing golf year.

From the 16th Streaker, at the WM Phoenix Open (remember that?) to the PGA/PIF merger - 2023 is one of the wildest years for the sport of golf - potentially in its history.

And it’s not even over.

One of the biggest “betrayals” in sports just officially kicked-off. AKA Rahm turning to the dark side of the game.

Monday, we’ll be releasing our look back at 2023. Hopefully you’ll enjoy and share!

We’ll have the normal newsletter, but our recap will be available at EasyPars.com.

It looks like Rahm is kinda, sorta going to LIV…and getting his own team.

Earlier this year, Rahm said that switching to LIV doesn’t make sense. He can retire and live out his days with the money he’s got.

So, what’s another few hundred million in the bank?

Then, the merger got announced. If all things are equal (like the PGA is LIV and LIV the PGA), why not squirrel that half a billy away for hard times?

Honestly it’s not that hard of a decision, if you thing about it.

From what it seems, LIV players are finding ways to play PGA events. And Monahan is meeting with the PIF to move the deal along.

Now, the WSJ is reporting that Jon Rahm has signed with the LIV. That said, he hasn’t come out and said it yet.

Here’s our favorite Shooter’s take, and it’s hilarious:

Imagine submitting your golf ball for a test.

Weightlifters. Horses. Golf balls.

What do these have in common? Well they all may be tested during events after 2028.

Ok, maybe that’s an exaggeration, but if the USGA rule holds, golf balls will be walked back.

Equipment manufacturers and players aren’t happy.

So, what’s the big deal?

Well…Do you remember “bifurcation”?

You know, where the rollback only affects pros and amateurs actively playing in tournaments?

That didn’t happen.

Apparently, the PGA wanted an all-or-nothing on the rule and now the USGA is moving the entire industry to the later 90s/early 2000s.

Pretty much every ball on the shelf, from Dick’s to your home course’s pro shop violates the forthcoming rule.

Again, 2023 is lit, and we really don’t know how manufacturers are going to react to this. Just too early to tell.

But you can be sure the EasyPars crew is on the beat.

Meme of the Day

😂😂

We watched this tweet/gif from Claire Rogers way too much:

That’s it for today, and man was it a lot! We’re currently working on our recap for 2023 and really hope you’ll give it a look!

Later gator,

E.