Golfweek's James Achenbach reports today on TaylorMade's decision to recall some of its TP Red LDP golf balls because they "exceed the U.S. Golf Association's initial velocity limit. " The Carlsbad, California company has "voluntarily...removed the ball from the USGA's Conforming Ball List, effective March 2."

The current TP Red LDP will be replaced March 2 on the Conforming Ball List by a new TP Red LDP with a revised sidestamp. The new balls will carry a "TP Red Tournament Edition" sticker on all boxes and sleeves.

The TP Red LDP ball was launched in June 2007, and has been manufactured in TaylorMade's Duncan, S.C., facility for about 20 months. Of all the TP Red LDP balls that were produced, "less than two-tenths of 1 percent" violated the velocity rule, according to the company.

TaylorMade declined to specify exactly how many nonconforming balls were produced, although director of public relations Christa McNamara said, "You have a better chance of winning the lottery than finding one of these."

This recall, while necessary, raises a question going forward: should the USGA consider upping limits on equipment? Would that help grow the game again? Discuss.

Labels: TaylorMade TP Red LDP, USGA