ROLLING BACK THE BALL
The R&A and USGA have announced that they will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which will take effect from January 2028. The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimising the impact on the recreational game.
The changes in ball-testing conditions will be: 125mph clubhead speed (equivalent to 183 mph ball speed), from 120mph; spin rate of 2200rpm, from 2520rpm; and launch angle of 11 degrees, from 10 degrees.
The revised conditions are based on analysis of data from the worldwide tours and the game over several years and are intended to ensure that the ODS ( whose limit will remain unchanged at 317 yards with a 3-yard tolerance) continues to represent the ability of the game’s longest hitters.
The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 11m to 13m in drive distance. Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 8m to 10m, with a 4m to 6m reduction for an average LET or LPGA player.
Existing balls approved for conformance in 2027 may continue to be used by recreational golfers until January 2030.
“From the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias,” said Mike Whan, CEO of USGA. “As we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option – and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the game’s future if we didn’t take appropriate action now.”
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future for golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the ‘one game’ ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.”