“Hit medium irons into par 4s” – Golf legend Tony Jacklin asks pros to use persimmon drivers amid distance debate

Tony Jacklin feels persimmon drivers should make a return to professional golf amidst the distance debate that has been going around recently.

Earlier this week, the USGA and the R&A proposed a Model Local Rule which, if it gets passed, will limit the distance the professional golfers can hit. This will also lead to two different balls being used, one for recreational golfers and the other for elite ones. If it gets a nod, it will be implemented in 2026.

Many professional golfers have criticized the plan for the rule change. Equipment manufacturer Titleist also called out the USGA and R&A's proposed plans.

Jacklin, a two-time Major champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member, shared his opinion on Twitter regarding the ongoing debate on MLR.

"I’d just like to see top players having to hit medium irons into par 4s," Jacklin tweeted. "I’m guessing those days have gone!"

Tony Jacklin CBE

@jacklin_tony

I’d just like to see top players having to hit medium irons into par 4’s. I’m guessing those days have gone!

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I’d just like to see top players having to hit medium irons into par 4’s. I’m guessing those days have gone!

He also suggested that persimmon drivers should be introduced back into the game.

"Bring back persimmon for pros, end of story!!!"

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Tony Jacklin CBE

@jacklin_tony

Bring back persimmon for pros,end of story !!!

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Bring back persimmon for pros,end of story !!!

Fans supported the golf veteran's opinion. Here is a look at some of the reactions:

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"This is what I think!!"

Iona Stephen

@Iona_Stephen

@jacklin_tony This is what I think!!

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@jacklin_tony This is what I think!!

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"Can they travel to events by train and boat as well, cos that's how it used to be🤦"

Craig Stables

@Statto1980

@jacklin_tony Can they travel to events by train and boat as well, cos that's how it used to be🤦

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@jacklin_tony Can they travel to events by train and boat as well, cos that's how it used to be🤦

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"Totally agree persimmon headed woods and the 1.62 golf ball, when the game was a game👍"

COLIN T FARR

@colinfarr301165

@jacklin_tony Totally agree persimmon headed woods and the 1.62 golf ball ,when the game was a game

@jacklin_tony Totally agree persimmon headed woods and the 1.62 golf ball ,when the game was a game👍

"Brilliant suggestion - we would see golf become a true test again not a battle of wedge play"

@blackmorefarmer

@blackmorefarmer

@jacklin_tony Brilliant suggestion - we would see golf become a true test again not a battle of wedge play

@jacklin_tony Brilliant suggestion - we would see golf become a true test again not a battle of wedge play

"With a sweet spot the size of a sixpence."

Andy Robson (GM8YIK)

@coughingAndyR

@jacklin_tony With a sweet spot the size of a sixpence.

@jacklin_tony With a sweet spot the size of a sixpence.

"And amateurs loved persimmon woods back in the day👍"

european tour rat

@wayneefc1

@jacklin_tony And amateurs loved persimmon woods back in the day

@jacklin_tony And amateurs loved persimmon woods back in the day👍

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"Make them drive left handed.."

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“wornout” Roger Andrews

@B16Rog

@jacklin_tony Make them drive left handed..

@jacklin_tony Make them drive left handed..

"Maybe something that was as hard to hit like a persimmon that can still hit it long. A massive risk and reward."

Andrew Connor

@drewstercon

@jacklin_tony Maybe something that was as hard to hit like a persimmon that can still hit it long. A massive risk and reward.

@jacklin_tony Maybe something that was as hard to hit like a persimmon that can still hit it long. A massive risk and reward.

"Yes ,yes yes ..and one sand iron instead of 4/5wedges"

Macdunes180

@macdunes1

@jacklin_tony Yes ,yes yes ..and one sand iron instead of 4/5wedges

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@jacklin_tony Yes ,yes yes ..and one sand iron instead of 4/5wedges

"You dont know fear until you have teed it up, trees either side of the fairway, with nothing but a club with a head made of wood and the size of a small granny smith, not a massive cooking apple, staring back at you….. 😰"

jonstevensonart

@swissbertone

@jacklin_tony You dont know fear until you have teed it up, trees either side of the fairway, with nothing but a club with a head made of wood and the size of a small granny smith, not a massive cooking apple, staring back at you…..

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@jacklin_tony You dont know fear until you have teed it up, trees either side of the fairway, with nothing but a club with a head made of wood and the size of a small granny smith, not a massive cooking apple, staring back at you….. 😰

"Spot on Tony. Maybe a max loft of 56 degrees on wedges and drop down from 14 clubs to say.. 8/9. All sorts of things could be looked at to encourage shotmaking."

Rick Scott

@BraxtedGreens

@jacklin_tony Spot on Tony. Maybe a max loft of 56 degrees on wedges and drop down from 14 clubs to say.. 8/9. All sorts of things could be looked at to encourage shotmaking.

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@jacklin_tony Spot on Tony. Maybe a max loft of 56 degrees on wedges and drop down from 14 clubs to say.. 8/9. All sorts of things could be looked at to encourage shotmaking.

"This is a really good idea. Saved MLB. Persimmon woods would add greatly to the pro game & stop the destruction of great golf courses."

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Golf professionals call out USGA and R&A's proposal

Bryson DeChambeau said the MLR was atrocious

Many big names in the game of golf have criticized the MLR proposed by the USGA and R&A. Bryson DeChambeau, one of the longest hitters at the moment, bashed the proposal, calling it “atrocious” when he was informed about the plan.

Justin Thomas, who is competing at the Valspar Championship, said it was "so bad for the game."

Acushnet CEO David Maher said MLR was "a solution in search of a problem."

"The proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem," Maher was quoted as saying by Golf Monthly

Clearly, the golfing bodies have a lot of convincing to do.

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