For the first time, the governing bodies of golf seem ready to allow for significant rule differences between elite and other golfers as a way to combat the distance gains the sport has seen with the advancement of technology. .
Known as a “bifurcation,” it would mean that professional tours and elite amateur competitions could require competitors to use restricted equipment while allowing everyday players the benefits that these technological gains bring them.
The U.S. Golf Association and R&A jointly announced Tuesday that they are proposing changes to equipment standards, including a potential local standard for club and ball specifications. They also propose changes in the duration of the club.
A year ago, USGA and R&A launched their “Distance Insights Project,” in which they claimed that the continued increase in length was “detrimental” to the game.
On Tuesday they announced three proposed changes:
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A maximum driver length limit of 48 to 46 inches. U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau is one of the high-profile players who has experimented with the longest-axle rider in order to get further away from the tee.
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Changes in how to test the distance of drivers, known as the spring effect, and how to test golf balls by reviewing conditions.
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The maximum duration of the driver will have a review period of one month, while the rest of the test proposals will be reviewed for six months.
As part of the proposal, governing bodies set the example that a committee could limit the maximum length of the pilot through a “model local standard” and that the “change” is recommended to be used only in highly limited player competitions. This means that recreational level golfers would continue to follow the rules, even if they use longer clubs.
Professional tours, including the PGA Tour, the European Tour, the LPGA Tour, and major championships, are conducted according to USGA or R&A rules, depending on the jurisdiction. Exceptions made at higher levels, such as the “single ball” rule used in professional visits, are all covered in the rulebook, usually under local provisions.
After years of discussion on the issue, now the governing bodies seem willing to act on distance gains.
“Research … clearly shows that blast distances have steadily increased over time and, if left unchecked, could threaten the long-term future of our game at all levels and on all golf courses where it is played. said Mike Davis. , executive director of the USGA. “This is the first step in a journey and a responsibility that the USGA and R&A share with the global golf community, to ensure that golf continues to thrive for the next hundred years and beyond.”
Martin Slumbers, Executive Director of R&A, said: “The research topics and proposed changes we have announced will be the focus of our attention in the coming months and we look forward to gaining insights from the golf industry and fully understanding their prospects. a We are fully committed to carrying out this important exercise for sport in a comprehensive, efficient and collaborative manner. “