USGA, R&A propose shorter-flying ball at ‘elite male level’

 

By proposing a landscape-altering rollback for golf balls used by players at the game’s elite level, the USGA and the R&A are taking a monumental step to deal with what they see as an increasingly disruptive threat to how the game is played.

Whether the proposed changes will be accepted by the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and other major professional tours likely holds the key to whether these modifications become the law of the land at the game’s highest level.

The proposal, called a model local rule, would bifurcate the rules of golf, allowing the vast majority of golfers to continue using the golf balls they currently play while requiring players in elite competitions to play a different ball designed to fly a shorter distance.

“As custodians of our sport, we’re of the view that at the elite male level, both amateur and professional, we’ve crossed the Rubicon with regards to where hitting distance is but more importantly where it is trending, and it’s our responsibility as governing bodies to propose change to protect the long-term integrity of our sport,” said Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A.

“Change is difficult, and we fully recognize that not all agree with our thinking. But we have listened and considered other points of view very carefully.

The rule would be in effect at the U.S. Open and the Open Championship beginning in 2026.

“We’re not so much trying to solve a problem today; we’re trying to solve where we believe it’s going, and there is no doubt in our minds that the game is going in that direction, and will continue to move upwards. There is no evidence in history to prescribe otherwise, and by taking a step back here, we give ourselves some headroom for the next 10 to 15 years, depending on how the game develops.”

If adopted, the rule would go into effect in 2026 and be based on a new testing protocol based off a swing speed of 127 miles per hour, 7 mph faster than the current testing model. The new test also would use a lower spin rate with an 11-degree launch angle in anticipation of continued distance increases at the elite level.

Under the proposed guidelines, balls must not exceed the current overall distance standard, which limits them to 317 yards (with a 3-yard tolerance), based on a 120-mph clubhead speed. As a general rule, each mile per hour of swing speed translates into approximately 2½ yards with a driver.

According to the USGA and R&A, average driving distance at the highest levels has increased approximately 1 yard per year over the last 20 years, the last time distance standards were specifically addressed.

The proposed changes stopped short of mandating changes to clubs, particularly drivers, instead focusing specifically on golf balls.

The proposal also did not specifically outline where the line requiring use of the model local rule would be drawn. Slumbers said the rule would not be used in the women’s game. Whan said it could impact men’s college golf, though there have been no specific discussions with NCAA officials.

The rule would be in effect at the U.S. Open and the Open Championship beginning in 2026.

The reaction to the proposed changes, which will have an open comment period through mid-August, was swift on Tuesday.

The PGA of America issued a statement praising the organizations for not changing the game for recreational golfers while adding that it opposes bifurcation in the game.

David Maher, president and chief executive officer of Acushnet Company, which makes Titleist golf balls, defended the existing system.

“Golf is an aspirational sport, and we believe at its very best when equipment and playing regulations are unified. Golf’s health and vibrancy are at historically high levels,” Maher said.

“As we see it, existing golf ball regulations for overall distance and initial velocity are highly effective. During the past two decades, PGA Tour average course playing length has increased by less than 100 yards and scoring average has remained virtually flat. Average PGA Tour clubhead speed of 114.6 mph in 2022 was well below the current 120 mph and proposed 127 mph testing conditions. The proposal of golf ball bifurcation is in many respects a solution in search of a problem.”

In a related development, Casey Alexander, an analyst with Compass Point Research & Trading who follows the golf industry, reduced his rating and price target on Acushnet Holdings, the parent company of Titleist, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GOLF. Alexander reduced his outlook for GOLF, of which ball sales represent 30 percent of company revenues, to neutral and trimmed his price target to $55 (from $65) per share.

In a statement, the PGA Tour said: “We continue to work closely with the USGA and the R&A on a range of initiatives, including the topic of distance. Regarding the Notice to Manufacturers announced today, we will continue our own extensive independent analysis of the topic and will collaborate with the USGA and the R&A, along with our membership and industry partners, to evaluate and provide feedback on this proposal. The Tour remains committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole, without negatively impacting the Tour, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”

Max Homa, the sixth-ranked player in the world, is taking a wait-and-see approach.

“One thing I’m happy about is it is just a proposal. They’re going to see the reaction. That’s a great step,” Homa said.

“As much as I think golf is in a great spot right now and it’s exciting, I am not the intellectual person to make the decision if this is great going forward. I enjoy playing golf right now and I enjoy what I’m using, so it makes me a bit anxious, but I’m glad it’s just a proposal and the club companies and the fans and the players and everybody will get to have a bit of a say in what they think and where we should go as a whole.”

“It’s out of my control. If that goes through, it’s just something us tour players will have to deal with.” – Denny McCarthy

Tour player Denny McCarthy, speaking on PGA Tour Radio, said the proposal would help him because of the way he plays, relying more on creativity than pure power.

“It’s out of my control,” McCarthy said. “If that goes through, it’s just something us tour players will have to deal with.”

The R&A’s Slumbers and the USGA’s Whan stressed the point that the proposal isn’t because of what is happening today but the continued changes they anticipate over the coming years.

“It buys the game some space, and it doesn’t pass it forward to the next,” Whan said. “One option is simply say, ‘Hey, it’s not worth all the debate and argument and the negatives that both organizations take on when we make these changes.’ We’re aware of that. But not doing something … is borderline irresponsible if not pure irresponsible in terms of just passing this on to the next generation or asking tens of thousands of golf courses to just figure it out and to keep investing millions of dollars to try to keep up with the game. That seems to be us completely not understanding what’s an important role that we take on for the game.

“I served as a (LPGA) commissioner too long to not think that there’s going to be more than a few if not many players who don’t like this direction for obvious reasons. They are 25 years old, prime of their career, hitting the ball a long way; don’t mess with that formula. I can’t argue with them. I’m not saying that they’re wrong. But I also don’t think anybody is asking them to think about what the game is going to be like in 30 years.”

For a USGA video detailing the proposal, click HERE.

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