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.

Tiger Woods’ attorneys have filed a motion in a Florida court, denying that he ever had a written or oral tenancy agreement with his ex-girlfriend Erica Herman. The motion was filed in response to Herman’s complaint against a trust that Woods controls, the Jupiter Island Irrevocable Homestead Trust, alleging that he violated the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act. In the complaint, Herman claimed that Woods tricked her into packing a suitcase for a short holiday and then locked her out of where she was living when she returned. She also claimed that she had a verbal tenancy agreement with Woods, which had five years remaining, to share his Jupiter residence.

However, Woods’ attorneys dispute Herman’s claim, stating that during their relationship, Woods had invited Herman to live with him as his guest in the Residence. They further stated that Woods had never negotiated an oral tenancy agreement with Herman, nor was there ever a written tenancy agreement between Woods or the Trust and Herman. Woods had never transferred to Herman any ownership interest or rights of possession to the Residence, according to the court documents. The relationship getting lots of attention and generating a popular stir, such as Bitcoin News.

In addition, the court documents state that Woods had offered Herman assistance in finding a new residence and accommodation in a luxury hotel in the meantime. On October 13, 2022, Woods informed Herman that he was breaking off their relationship and that she was no longer welcome in the Residence. Woods arranged for Herman to stay at a local luxury resort and provided funds that she could apply toward a new residence.

It is important to note that Herman’s complaint against Woods is separate from another complaint she filed earlier in the week in Florida. In that complaint, she seeks to nullify a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that she signed in 2017. Herman’s attorneys have argued that the NDA is unenforceable under the Speak Out Act, which was signed into law last year. The act prevents the enforcement of NDAs in instances of sexual assault or harassment.

The legal battle between Woods and Herman has been ongoing since October 2021 when Herman first filed her complaint against Woods. In her complaint, she alleged that Woods had breached their contract by locking her out of their shared residence. She also claimed that Woods had damaged her reputation by spreading false rumors about her. Woods has denied all of Herman’s claims and has filed a countersuit against her.

The legal battle between Woods and Herman is just one of the many controversies that Woods has faced over the years. Woods has been a controversial figure in the world of sports due to his personal life, which has been marred by infidelity and multiple public scandals. Despite this, Woods remains one of the most successful golfers of all time, with 15 major championship wins and numerous other accolades to his name.

Golf. My Future. My Game. in collaboration with the iconic Green Book Museum and the Historic Hampton House  announces the inaugural Historic Hampton House Birdies 2 Eagles Golf Invitational Classic at the Miami Beach Golf Club, May 6, 2023.

With mentoring, awareness and exposure as the premise, The Historic Hampton House Birdies 2 Eagles Golf Invitational Classic tournament will offer Golf. My Future. My Game. Birdies the opportunity to meet and play with some of the nation’s most influential women in a competitive foursome, as they celebrate the progress and achievements of women during their month of recognition.

With diversity and inclusion as a core value of both nonprofits, partnering with the Historic Hampton House, whose prospective mission is to eliminate the racial divide, provides context to the tournament by educating our girls of the struggles, challenges and triumphs of Blacks in America in general, and women of color more specifically.
Multicultural in its own nature, the City of Miami Beach with the Miami Beach Golf Club is proud to have the opportunity to host this experience during Women’s History Month. 

This inaugural golf tournament of diverse women includes former LPGA Player Renee Powell and current Senior LPGA Tour Players Dana Bates, Tournament Co-Chair; Susie Redmond,2023 PGA National Youth Development Awardee and Pat Shiver, Co- Owner, Cove Cay Golf Club. Additionally CBS Morning News Journalist, Mark Whitaker will participate,    
Golf. My Future. My Game. Birdies 2 Eagles: A mentorship initiative introducing girls and young women to golf by helping them develop a comfort level with the game and increasing their self-esteem and commitment to a healthier lifestyle with enhanced social opportunities offered through the sport of golf.

For further information or to play in the inaugural tournament please contact Desiree Walker @ 301-254-2382 

Or register at https://www.hhhbirdies2eagles.org/