The USGA and R&A have proposed modifying testing conditions for golf balls used in elite competition via a model local rule, which would come into effect by January 2026. The proposed changes would alter launch conditions to reduce hitting distances at the game’s highest levels. The governing bodies plan to change the conditions for determining if a ball conforms to the overall distance standard, reducing the average driving distance of elite players by 14 to 15 yards.
The proposed MLR would not affect the recreational game, and other organizations, tours, and tournaments would have the option to employ it. While there has been talk of bifurcation, the USGA maintains that this is not the start of two different sets of rules, but simply an option around a piece of equipment. The changes are not designed to curb the more modest distance averages produced by the majority of golfers worldwide, and there is a chance that the MLR could benefit low club speeds and beginners by allowing for the removal of the initial velocity test.
“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years. It’s been two decades since we last revisited our testing standards for ball distances,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said. “Predictable, continued increases will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon. The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game. We are taking the next steps in this process, guided first and foremost by doing what’s right by the entire game.”
The initial areas of interest, posted a year ago, aimed at golfers of all skill levels and proposed various potential changes, including ball size and mass, club lengths and clubhead dimensions, and a reduction in the overall distance standard. Tuesday’s update, however, focuses solely on the ball and proposes stricter regulations on the clubface, specifically with reducing MOI and the spring-like effect.
Chris Word, CEO, Greenwood Golf, weighs in on the subject saying, “As a golf ball company ourselves, Greenwood GOLF believes that this rule will have limited impact on the game of golf. In fact, it may work to improve the game by making it more competitive in elite competitions.The fact is, the USGA already has performance requirements that golf balls must meet in order to use during competitive play, one of which includes a flight restriction under certain performance metrics (higher swing speed, launch angles, etc.). Effectively, this new rule is adjusting the flight restriction down a little more to help offset the advancing technology and player performance. There are a lot of parts to the game of golf. Driving distance albeit fun does not determine overall skill level or score. Our signature Greenwood GOLF ball is not designed for distance but aimed to provide the golfers with better accuracy around the green because that is where the game is won.”
The effort of the USGA and R&A are in response to the 2020 Distance Insights Project, which found that golf’s distance boom was harming the game, particularly by lengthening golf courses. Some of golf’s most influential figures, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley, support the effort to address the issue of distance. However, not all parties view the issue of distance through the same lens, and equipment manufacturers are expected to push back.
The USGA and R&A have stressed that they are not considering changes that would reduce distance at all levels, and the proposed MLR would enable golf event organizers and committees to use specific balls for certain elite championships and tournaments but would not impact the current recreational game. The USGA and R&A believe that their role is to protect the future of golf, both in terms of its overall integrity as a sport, its broad mix of skills to deliver excellence, and its environmental responsibilities over the next 20 to 30 years.
