Golf rule makers are set to make a change which could impact the game significantly.
Following six years of research amid issues of courses being dominated by the power hitters, plans have been made to roll back the distances travelled by the balls. The R&A and the United States Golf Association, whose proposal focuses on ball specifications rather than club design, hope that new measures would see tee shots reduced by approximately 15 yards.
The aim is to provide tours and competitions with an option to use "balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf". Pending feedback from golf equipment manufacturers, changes are set to be implemented in January 2026. But that has not started well, as Acushnet, who own Titleist, the most commonly used brand on Tour, was strongly critical of the proposals.
"This bifurcation would divide golf between elite and recreational play, add confusion, and break the linkage that is part of the game's enduring fabric," an excerpt from their statement read. Many others have criticised the move, including LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau who branded the proposals “atrocious”.
"It’s a great handicap for us guys that have worked really hard to learn how to hit it farther,” the 2020 US Open winner told LIV's official website. “Look, if they do it in a way where it only affects the top end, I see the rationale. But I think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could possibly do to the game of golf. It’s not about rolling golf balls back; it’s about making golf courses more difficult.”
The eight-time PGA Tour title winner, known for his big hitting, says those with a more explosive game help to create more interest in the sport. “I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do,” he added.
“Everybody wants to see people hit it farther. That’s part of the reason why a lot of people like what I do. It’s part of the reason a lot of people don’t like what I do. But again, it creates more conversation in a positive way than cutting it back and trying to make everybody equal. I’m all about equality. I’m not about equity on this front.”
Commenting on the proposed changes, CEO of The R&A Martin Slumbers and his USGA counterpart Mike Whan believe the move keeps the game's long-term integrity intact.
“This is an important issue for golf and one which needs to be addressed if the sport is to retain its unique challenge and appeal,” Slumbers said. “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. Predictable, continued increases will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon.”
