USGA, R&A propose regulations to limit the distance golf balls can travel in professional events
The USGA and R&A proposed a rule this week that would limit the distance a golf ball can travel at the professional level beginning January 2026. The rule will not affect players. amateur golf, as well as optional at elite professional events, will limit the distance the golf ball travels. The goal is to limit the insane distance the pros hit the tee from the tee while avoiding the need for golf courses to frequently increase their distance.
Basically, the rule reduces the limit on how fast the ball can travel at high clubhead speeds. If set up, the ball can only travel 317 yards with a margin of error of 3 yards at a clubhead speed of 127 mph.
USGA CEO Mike Whan said: “The game’s elite-level hitting distance has consistently increased over the past 20, 40 and 60 years. “It’s been two decades since we last reviewed our distance testing standards. Predictably, continued growth will become an important issue for the next generation. if not resolved soon. [rule] We’re proposing to be simple to implement, forward-looking and to do so without any impact on game entertainment.”
According to a statement from the USGA and R&A, this implementation will “reduce the average hit distance by 14-15 yards for the longest hitters with the highest clubhead speeds.”
Whan, on a conference call on Tuesday, acknowledged the proposal was not a long-term solution as it is likely that everyone will be in the same position again 15 years from now.
Distance is definitely an issue at the elite level. Augusta’s Country move tee box on its famous 13th hole this year for that reason. And while this rule addendum, under which manufacturers and stakeholders can provide feedback until August of this year, is a positive, it may not address the overall problem. body.
The catch in the golf world is that it has no supreme governing body. The USGA and R&A may eventually make this rule, but as long as it’s a local rule, other organizations — like the PGA Tour — don’t necessarily follow it.
The PGA Tour itself is not that popular.
“We continue to work closely with the USGA and R&A on a range of initiatives, including the topic of distance,” said Tour. “Regarding the manufacturer announcements announced today, we will continue our extensive independent analysis on the topic and will be collaborating with the USGA and R&A, along with industry members and partners. Our team, to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal, is committed to ensuring that any future solution identified benefits the game as a whole without negatively impacting the Prize. competition, players or fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”
Equipment companies are less enthusiastic. Acushnet CEO David Maher calls the rule “a solution to finding a problem.” Acushnet owns Titleist.
He said: “Golf is an aspirational sport and we believe it works best when equipment and rules of play are unified. Golf’s health and vibrancy is at an all-time high. “. “As we can see, the existing golf ball regulations regarding overall distance and initial velocity are highly effective. Over the past two decades, the average PGA Tour playing length has increased by less than 100 yards. and the average score is almost unchanged.
“The PGA Tour clubhead average speed of 114.6 mph in 2022 is much lower than the current 120 mph and suggested test conditions of 127 mph. branching golf balls in many ways is a solution to a problem.”
All of this will play out in the coming months as other organizations — like Augusta National and the PGA of America — weigh in. We will also listen to input from players and officials at the highest levels.
What is certain is that this will be controversial. Whan acknowledged that on Tuesday said that part of governance is knowing you’ll get feedback on your decisions.
Regardless, this is a proactive step by the USGA and R&A for the future, a necessary step after years of research and inaction and one that will make waves for a long time.
