’Golf is doing well and we don’t want to undermine this’. So said the R&A and USGA as they unveiled a proposal to unleash a new competition golf ball on elite events - but steered well clear of anything that could affect the recreational game. Should club golfers feel left out as governing bodies seek comment on their plans to reduce hitting distances at the highest level? On this week’s From the Clubhouse podcast, Tom Irwin and Steve Carroll break down what they think of the Model Local Rule, the golf ball roll back in general, and ask whether it will have any impact on us at our clubs. How far down the amateur ladder could the proposals reach, should we get the chance to try out a reduced-distance ball, and is it a fallacy to think we’ve ever played the same game as the world’s best? Tom’s also surging with excitement for the start of the club match play season, and will Steve stump him again with this week’s rules question? There’s a lot to discuss, so let’s get stuck in...