Southampton, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - New rules could soon shorten your longest drive.
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.
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.
“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,” Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA 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.”
The USGA and R&A are moving ahead with a new standard for golf ball distance in 2030
The USGA and R&A are moving ahead with a new standard for golf ball distance in 2030
