Requesting Swedish Volunteers: R&A To Monitor Rolled Back Ball Tournament

Nice catch by Mike Stachura to Tweet this Swedish golf.se story about the R&A going to Sweden to quietly test (not now!) balls that do not fly as far in case they should ever decide to restore sensibility.

Here's the text as translated by Google.

Want to test the future of golf ball? In early June, played two tournaments on Österåker and Åkersberga where everyone plays on the R & A's prototype that can put a new ball standard. - It has developed a ball that is about eight percent less, said Anders Jonsson, equipment expert in SGF's regulatory committee.

Eight percent? You learn something new everyday. Of course this will be mentioned in the USGA/R&A ball study, if it comes out before next year's 10th anniversary. Did I say 10th? Yes 10th. Go on...

For several years the R & A has worked on developing a framework for a ball to go shorter. Many believe that even the modern courses in the near future be played for short. Work on a new standard ball is in the experimental stage but the ball should have the same flight characteristics, the only difference being that it goes a little shorter.

Where can I buy them?

- You want to see if ever there is a possibility and if it is a viable approach. Then you do as wide a basis as possible and use as many different types of players as we possibly can test the ball, says Jonsson told Swedish Golf.

Test competitions have already been implemented in the UK but now the R & A have a broader investigative material in order to make such a good decision as possible in the future. Therefore, they have been inquiring about Swedish interest.

There are some Americans who'd be happy to test them too!

Work on prototype is relatively secret and few actually know what the type of ball. But according to information, it will be modern and only differ pure length wise.

- I know nothing about the ball more than it is developed together with a renowned manufacturer, said Jonsson.

The Swedish test competitions will be played on Österåker June 2 and Åkersberga June 3. Nikon sponsors the event and representatives from the R & A will be in place.

It is open to all to take this opportunity to become a test pilot.

Do you have to be Swedish? I'm in!