R&A/USGA CONSIDER DISTANCE ROLLBACK

Golf’s governing bodies are considering changes to equipment and the implementation of ‘local rules’ to tame the increasing hitting distances achieved by the game’s elite players.

The Royal and Ancient, in conjunction with the United States Golf Association (USGA), said they are re-engaging with the golf industry on the Distance Insights project, which aims to help achieve “a more sustainable long-term future for golf.”

The move to cap club length comes as several players on the PGA Tour have started trialling 48-inch drivers. Leading the way is US Open Champion Bryson DeChambeau, who topped the 2020 PGA Tour driving distance averages at a colossal 320 yards (292 metres) and has already increased that distance to 329 yards (300 metres) in 2021.

There are currently 78 players averaging 300 yards (274 metres) or more on the PGA Tour. In 2010 there were 12 players, and in 2000 there was just one player – John Daly, who averaged 301.4 yards (275 metres). DeChambeau, who has made no secret of his desire to keep increasing his distance to grab a greater advantage over the rest of the field, trialled a 48inch driver – the maximum permitted shaft length – on the eve of the Masters in November but new proposals could see the limit set at 46 inches.

One area of interest for the R&A and USGA is for the potential use of local rules for certain competitions that would specify the use of clubs or balls or both.

“This would enable committees conducting competitions to stipulate whether such equipment should be used,” a joint statement said.

“It could be available at all levels of play and would also allow golfers playing outside of competition to choose for themselves.”

Stakeholders are being invited to participate in the process by sharing any data they might have on the topics.

While dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been the priority of golf’s authorities over the past year, focus has now returned to acting on the Distance Insights Report published last February.

The report said increased hitting distances changed the strategic challenge of the game, altering the variety of skills needed to be successful and risked making courses obsolete. The R&A and USGA are also seeking comment from manufacturers on proposed changes to equipment standards, including club length reductions and changes to club and golf ball testing methods.

“Hitting distances have consistently increased through time and, if left unchecked, could threaten the longterm future of our game,” USGA chief executive Mike Davis said.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said it was a “critical topic” and looked forward to insights from the golf industry.