06/17/26 03:25:00
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06/17 14:35 CDT USGA and R&A want deeper study of distance beyond new golf ball
test in 2030
USGA and R&A want deeper study of distance beyond new golf ball test in 2030
By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) --- The USGA and R&A are moving ahead with a new
standard for golf ball distance in 2030, while saying Wednesday they will
broaden their study to review and test other areas that might help keep
distance from getting out of hand.
Without firm details on what they plan to explore, key to the expanded study is
more direct involvement from tour players.
That much was evident in the statement that came from not just the two
governing bodies but also the PGA Tour and European tour.
"The governing bodies will work closely with key stakeholders --- including the
PGA Tour DP World Tour and their respective members --- to review, test and
implement options that have a meaningful impact on distance at the elite
level," the statement said.
Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, said at a news conference at Shinnecock Hills:
"Maybe there are some ideas here that are getting reopened that we looked at in
the past and probably closed the door on because of some of the tour's feedback.
"I think it would be the wrong way to govern if we don't listen to that when
we're starting to now talk about similar objectives."
The objective has been keeping distance from making golf too one-dimensional,
and in some cases leading courses to getting longer. The target has primarily
been golf balls.
The governing bodies in 2023 announced the test for "Overall Distance Standard"
would be updated. Golf balls would be tested with a 125 mph swing speed (up
from 120 mph), and the distance limit would remain at roughly 317 yards.
The original plan was for the new test to start in 2028 for elite players, and
in 2030 for everyone else. After feedback from the golf community, the USGA and
R&A decided a single-date implementation in 2030 was the best route.
But it also wants a deeper look into distance.
The USGA and R&A said in a statement that discussions among the PGA Tour, the
tour's Player Advisory Council, the European tour and other stakeholders
recognized that distance continues to increase at the elite level; the new ODS
standard might not reduce distance enough; and a willingness to "reconsider
alternative approaches" that might have a greater impact on increases without
disrupting the overall golf market.
A new wrinkle in the golf ball debate came earlier this year when Cameron Young
used a new Titleist golf ball that didn't spin as much. It met the standards of
the new ODS test, yet Young didn't lose any distance. His final tee shot when
he won The Players Championship went 375 yards, wind-aided and with roll on the
firm fairways of TPC Sawgrass.
One argument from the players has been the new standard would affect some
players far greater than others depending on how they launch the ball. And
given the expanse of technology in the game, Whan said there were questions
whether any reduction in distance with the new golf ball test would be enough.
Whan and other USGA officials have met with skepticism --- and criticism ---
from PGA Tour players at the Memorial each of the last three years, though he
said this year the players sounded as though they wanted to be part of any
solution.
"There's been a lot of tour involvement from the very beginning, but probably
less individual players and a lot more tour leadership and the folks that are
representing players," Whan said.
"What really kind of changed with us more recently is the number of individual
players that stepped forward, both in that meeting and since, with a real sense
of wanting to help and share and asking for more information. That's exciting."
But he said an expanded review of distance cannot take as long as the eight
years to reach the implementation of a new golf ball test.
"When we talk about other approaches, we want to be doing that with the speed
of saying ... if we were going to do something in addition to 2030, we need to
know that sooner than later," Whan said. "So it creates a sense of urgency for
all parties. This isn't another eight-year effort. We need to get at it and do
it with a sense of urgency."
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
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