Authorities aiming to tame massive hitters
GOLF
WELLINGTON: Golf’s lawmakers are considering changes to equipment and the implementation of ‘‘local rules’’ in an attempt to tame the power of the game’s massive hitters.
The Royal and Ancient, in conjunction with the United States Golf Association, said it was reengaging with the golf industry to achieve a more sustainable future for the game, fearing courses could become obsolete.
American Bryson DeChambeau, who won last year’s US Open, topped the 2020 PGA driving distance charts with a colossal 301m average, with 78 players averaging
274m or more.
DeChambeau trialled a
123cm driver for the tournament, the maximum permitted shaft length, at the
US Open but new proposals could result in the limit being set at 117cm.
One area of interest for the R&A and USGA is for the potential use of local rules that would specify the use of clubs and/or balls, resulting in shorter distances.
‘‘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.’’
While dealing with the Covid19 pandemic has been the priority of golf’s authorities or the past year, focus has now returned to the issue of controlling distance and 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 Equipment Standards changes, namely a reduction to 117cm for maximum club length (not including putters), golf ball testing methods and changes to the testing tolerance in relation to a club’s ‘‘springlike’’ effect. — RNZ