Episode 13: Golf Ball Rollback, LIV Golf, Tiger Woods, The Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach! In this episode of Tee’d Off, Dale Ketola from the Grande Dunes Performance Center joins Ben in the studio to discuss the latest in the golf world. They discuss the controversial news on the imminent golf ball rollback, Jon Rahm’s departure to LIV Golf, and Tiger’s possible departure from Nike! They also discuss the beautiful Resort Course at the Grande Dunes and Dale’s state-of-the-art Performance Center. Ben gives an update on the happenings in Myrtle Beach and of course – what Tee’s them Off! The USGA and R&A announced in December their formal intent to roll back the performance of the golf ball. In 2028, professionals will be playing with a “nerfed” ball, with amateurs to follow in 2030. The predicted effect on distance for elite players is expected to be 10-15 yards, with amateurs to experience a decline of 3-10 yards. This news has been met with almost unanimous chagrin from all golfers. Teaching PGA Professional Dale Ketola explains how the ball rollback is just the beginning, and that the USGA and R&A also have plans to dial back the performance of equipment, something he exclaims will certainly affect the salesmanship on future club fittings; “How do we convince people to spend their money on something worse than they already have?” We hope that these manufacturers use the next 4 years to innovate and achieve the most performance possible with the new restrictions! Jon Rahm becomes the highest-ranked player to make the switch to LIV Golf. The strong Spaniard inked a deal reportedly worth $450-$600 million; once again that money talks! The PGA is hopeful to stop the bleeding and mitigate future star player defections with a multi-billion dollar investment from the Strategic Sports Group in early 2024. Equity payouts to PGA players are expected from these funds. The timeline for the PGA and LIV merger is still unknown, so hopefully this financial support will help keep the world’s best on the PGA Tour and stop further fracturing of professional golf. Tiger Woods was cold and reserved when asked at the PNC Father Son about his future with Nike Golf, stating bluntly, “I’m still wearing their product.” Rumors are swirling that the PNC may have been the last tournament for the Goat and Nike, creating even more rumors about where the big cats claws may land next. Our guess is on a current partner, such as Bridgestone or TaylorMade, creating an apparel line. If it’s truly over with Nike, what a run it was, and we are excited to see where and what Tiger’s new brand will be! Dale Ketola gives his history in the game of golf. A self taught golfer who earned a golf scholarship to Coastal Carolina, he missed playing on the team with Dustin Johnson by just one semester. He does however have a hilarious story on playing golf with DJ outside of CCU! Dale breaks down the Grande Dunes Performance Center offerings and what makes the Grande Dunes Resort Course so special. Built on a bluff with many views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the 2001 Roger Rulewich design has claimed many awards both locally and nationally since it’s opening, and has recently underwent a green, bunker, and clubhouse renovation in 2022! The Terrazza 19 Tapas Restaurant in the Resort Clubhouse offers unmatched views and bites and a must-try if you tee it up at the Grande Dunes. Dales gives a rundown of the Grande Dunes signature hole, Number 14. This par three is daunting, with tee yardages closing in on 200 from the men’s tees! A front-to-back pitched green and slick Champion Bermuda greens make this hole a tough landing spot. This hole provides some of the best views of the waterway in all of Myrtle Beach golf, but look out for that random gust of wind! To play Grande Dunes, make sure you check out the Founders Inclusive Package! To stay, try the highly requested Crescent Shores condos in North Myrtle Beach, with 2, 3, and 4-bedroom oceanfront condos! Stay and play in style with MB Golf!
