Why bifurcation is the only solution to golf’s distance conundrum

The R&A and USGA have released another Distance Insights Report update, addressing the issue around distance at the top level and possible solutions. One is “a reduction of the allowable springlike effect and moment of inertia in drivers” as a Model Local rule. They are also looking at the elimination of the MOI limit for recreational golfers. What a fantastic time to be alive!

This approach encourages innovation at club level but also places a greater emphasis on the skill of finding the middle of the clubface on tour. Even the very best miss the sweetspot, but when they do, modern drivers mask the effect and lead to an unsustainable ‘bomb and gauge’ approach.

Interestingly, just a week later, Arccos released its 2021 Driving Distance Report, analysing 15.7m tracked shots to show that, in fact, amateur golfers actually drove the ball shorter in 2021 than they did in prior years. It also highlighted that across all age and handicap brackets, the average driving distance remains just shy of 220 yards. To me, this just reinforces the fact the problem lies solely at the pro level, and that a divide in the rules by which we abide is the only appropriate course of action.