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Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as all of the attention turns to Tiger’s comeback this week at the Hero World Challenge.

1. Rollback on the horizon for all?

S.I.’s Bob Harig…”A decision on the proposed rollback of the golf ball is due by the end of the year—and it might not just be for elite players as part of a Model Local Rule originally put forth by the United States Golf Association and the R&A.”

• “Martin Slumbers, the chief executive of the R&A, told Golf Digest in an interview last week that he expects a final decision soon; a comment period on the matter ended in August.”

• “There has been considerable pushback about the proposal, with a majority of professional players and golf ball manufacturers not in favor of the idea. Both the PGA Tour and PGA of America have come out against it, although key names in the game, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, expressed their support.”

2. Adam Scott: Do this instead

Our Matt Vincenzi…”The debate on whether or not to “roll back the golf ball” is once again taking center stage in the world of golf. This month, R&A chief executive, Martin Slumbers, announced there is a plan in place for bifurcation of the golf ball and the plan will be revealed by the end of the year.”

• “While speaking at the Australian PGA Championship over the weekend, Adam Scott said he believes the driver is more of a problem than the golf ball itself.”

• “The biggest fundamental change in the game since I’ve been a pro, is traditionally the driver has been the hardest club to hit in the bag, and now it’s the most forgiving.

• “And that’s the biggest evolutionary change in the golf bag to me out of the equipment.

• “The ball is the ball, but the driver went from the hardest club to hit to now the most forgiving and the go-to club for guys if they are nervous.

• “The penalty for missing a driver just isn’t high enough anymore, in my opinion, at the top level.

• “I’d like to address that first and see what knock on effects that has. If guys wanna swing at it 130 with a tiny driver head then good luck.”

3. Tiger returneth

Adam Stanley for PGATour.com…“He will once again play a dual role of host and participant at the Hero World Challenge, contested in Albany, Bahamas, and it was announced last week that Team Woods will play the PNC Championship for the fourth straight year. These are two very different situations for Woods, as the 72-hole Hero World Challenge requires walking, while the 36-hole PNC allows the use of a cart.”

• “Woods did not play last year’s Hero World Challenge – withdrawing before the competition due to the same plantar fasciitis condition. He made two TOUR starts earlier this year, finishing T45 at The Genesis Invitational before the Masters.”

• “In an interview with the Associated Press two weeks ago, Woods said he was pain-free when it comes to his right ankle which was fused in April…”

• “Regardless of body issues, though, Woods has always been a fighter. And the fact that he is working on a return to action, starting in Albany, is going to make an already exciting week that much more fun.”

4. Senden to play on after Parkinson’s diagnosis

Golf Digest’s Tod Leonard…”Australian senior tour pro John Senden says he can have a satisfying warm-up session before a competitive round, “but as soon as the anticipation of hitting the first shot or a difficult shot or even the name called on the first tee, all of a sudden my right arm starts shaking and I can’t control that sometimes.”

• “That’s an extremely challenging way to play golf, of course, and the 52-year-old two-time PGA Tour winner has been doing so for the last 18 months with symptoms associated with his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In an interview with Australia’s ABC Sport, Senden said he has no plans to stop playing.”

• “I’ve got to stay in the gym, stay fit and stay open, because Parkinson’s wants to close you down, wants to make you feel a bit more depressed,” Senden said. “I’ve got to stay playing, stay light-hearted about everything. It doesn’t actually undermine my strength; it just sort of makes me feel a bit weird sometimes. … “It’s not going to go away, but I’m still able to play and still enjoying golf.”

5. More restrooms, courtesy cars, better food for pros in 2024

Golf Digest’s Tod Leonard…The requirements are:

• “All tournaments now must provide complimentary courtesy cars during the week.”

• “Tournaments will have amenities for players’ families on the course, including a private restroom on each nine, with flushable toilets, water and dry snacks. Additionally, four restroom stations on each nine will be provided for the players.”

• “Cold plunge tubs, which have become popular to the players, will be provided by the tour, with tournament directors needing to find a place to put them and keep them maintained during the week.”

• “The memo states that tour players are focused on their nutrition and wellness, and that the tour is “encouraging” events to re-evaluate the meals that players and their families are receiving in player dining.”

6. Remembering the Little Pro

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak…”Merrins, who died at 91 in Los Angeles, was one of golf’s most respected professionals, a championship-winning coach at UCLA, a beloved figure and an institution at Bel-Air Country Club. In recent years, as pro emeritus, he could still be found there impeccably dressed in a coat and tie and white-knit tam o’shanter, ready to impart his wisdom to another golfer desperate for help.”

• “I had the privilege of writing a story for the 2013 U.S. Open preview issue on the 5-foot-7 Merrins, affectionately known as The Little Pro, and it was the start of a beautiful friendship. Without fail, he’d seek me out at every Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship he attended – add me to the list who received an impromptu lesson from Merrins, who advised me to start my swing in New York, flow through Chicago on the way to Los Angeles. I’d be called to the front desk of the media center at the Masters or come back to my desk and find a note that I could come to find him setting up shop on the range. One year, I dressed to the nines in a tuxedo for the Ben Hogan Award as his guest at the ceremony held annually on the Monday of the PGA Tour stop at Colonial. He’d often welcome me to Bel-Air for a get-together when I was in town for Riviera, including one time when he walked all 18 as I played.”

7. Hisatsune voted Euro Tour top rookie

AP report…” Ryo Hisatsune was voted as the European tour’s top rookie on Tuesday after a memorable season that saw the 21-year-old Japanese player win the French Open and earn dual membership with the PGA Tour.”

• “Hisatsune became the first Japanese golfer to receive the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award, beating a list of contenders that included highly rated Swede Ludvig Aberg.”

• “Hisatsune was outside the world’s top 200 at the start of the 2023 season. Three years ago, he lost his card on Japan’s leading tour.”

8. McGinley to step into Azinger’s role for Hero

Joel Beall for Golf Digest…”Paul McGinley will step in as temporary lead analyst for NBC Sports’ golf coverage this week at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Golf Digest has confirmed the news first reported by The Independent in Ireland.”

• “McGinley, 56, is a four-time European Tour winner best known for his captaincy at the 2014 Ryder Cup, where he led the Europeans to a resounding victory. The Irishman has previously appeared on Golf Channel’s “Live From” show, which is owned by NBC, and also appears in Sky Sports’ golf coverage. McGinley reportedly will work alongside NBC play-by-play commentator Dan Hicks and analyst Curt Byrum.”

• “According to the Independent, “McGinley’s [TV] future will likely depend on how he does in the Bahamas and future events over the next few months.” McGinley has received kudos for his commentary on “Live From” as he often gets into spirited golf debates with fellow commentators Rich Lerner and Brandel Chamblee.”

9. ICYMI: Trending golf gifts

• Check out the current hottest golf gifts to get your hands on!