R&A and USGA’s proposal to limit golf ball distances explained

On Wednesday, the USGA and the R&A proposed a new local rule in a joint announcement that would change how long the ball is hit in tournaments.

If passed, tournament organizers will only be able to allow golf balls that meet new rigid testing norms.

The USGA and R&A said that the rule will not affect recreational golf and is being planned to be used in some top competitions.

The proposal has been sent to equipment manufacturers. They can give their suggestions by August 14. If passed, the rule will come into effect by January 2026.

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Reasoning behind the proposal

Mike Whan is the CEO of USGA

The main goal behind this proposal is to restrict professionals from hitting the ball at insane distances. It will go into effect in January 2026 if it gets passed.

With improvements in fitness and equipment technology, players can hit the ball quite a distance. This has led to the lengthening of the golf course to test the players.

Some people think this is a problem because the courses run out of space after a certain point, leading them to find other ways to trick the player, which makes the game a little obsolete.

Earlier in February 2020, the R&A and USGA stated that they were looking to "break the ever-increasing cycle of hitting distance".

However, they also added that it could take a few years to find a solution. On Tuesday, they announced the idea of Model Local Rule (MLR).

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What does MLR say?

The current rule allows the ball to be tested at a clubhead speed of 120 mph, a spin rate of 42 revolutions per second, and a launch angle of 10 degrees, with certain acceptable ranges of deviation allowed for each parameter.

The proposed MLR will restrict the spin to 37 revolutions per second with a speed of 127 mph and a launch angle of 11 degrees.

This will reduce the distance by 14–15 yards, affecting some of the longest hitters in the game.

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What is bifurcation?

Bifurcation here means that there will be two different sets of directives for professionals and amateurs. If MLR gets passed, there will be two different sets of balls for the golfers, and thus it is being called bifurcation.

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Reactions to the USGA and R&A's proposal

Bryson DeChambeau is one of the longest hitters in the game

The new proposal by the USGA and R&A has not been well received by the people associated with the game. Be it golf professionals, analysts, or equipment manufacturers, everyone has called out the decision.

Bryson Dechambeau called the rule atrocious:

"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.”

Golf equipment manufacturer Titleist called the rule "a solution in search of a problem."

Acushnet CEO David Maher said:

"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."

Acushnet owns Titleist.