The regulatory authorities of golf, the USGA and the R&A, have publicly revealed a plan to reduce the current distance that golf balls travel, beginning in 2028. The two bodies claim that the “rollback” decision is the outcome of years of research and analysis and is intended to counteract distance advances that endanger the long-term sustainability of the sport.
“The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimizing the impact on the recreational game,” the USGA stated.
Professionals will be required to use conforming balls starting in January 2028, and amateurs will not be able to start using the newly produced conforming balls until 2030. (Click here for a more thorough analysis of the rollback scenario, including its implications for casual gamers.)
Professionals, especially those with long tee shots, will experience a significant reduction in total yardage off the tee, while recreational players won’t be much impacted, according to the USGA. The typical male golfer will lose three to five yards off the tee, whereas the regular female golfer will lose one to three yards.
“Being a governor is challenging. The USGA CEO, Mike Whan, stated in a statement announcing the move, “And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn’t do enough to protect the game long-term.” But we’ve been motivated to act impartially and in the game’s best interests from the start. As we’ve stated, there is no option to do anything; if we moved now, we would succeed in safeguarding the game’s future.
Whether they want to preserve their length off the tee or are concerned about recreational golfers, many pros disagree with the USGA and R&A’s decision. “I believe that the USGA…everything they do is reactionary,” Keegan Bradley declared during a competition the previous weekend. “They don’t come up with a fix. They believe that we will impact every golfer in the country. It is horrible for the amateur world to hit the ball shorter. That is the most foolish thing that comes to mind. It’s not wise at all, in my opinion, especially considering how golf is becoming increasingly popular right out of COVID.”
The USGA and R&A did point out in their release that ball flight is one of many factors when driving long distances. They said they would keep testing drivers to ensure they don’t become victims of “Driver Creep,” which is the term for drivers who keep increasing their speed and distance travelled beyond the limits specified in the organizations’ equipment rules.
During a six-year review process, stakeholders provided input, and the organizations rejected the idea of “bifurcation”—having different equipment standards for pros and amateurs. They noted a global consensus that maintaining a single set of equipment standards and playing rules is crucial to the sport and should be applied to all levels of play. The deadline was extended to 2028 due to manufacturer feedback, giving manufacturers more time to innovate and provide new equipment for both competitive and leisure players.”
The USGA and R&A increased the swing speed required to drive a ball 317 yards from 120 to 125 mph by the USGA and R&A, setting the standard for new golf balls. Stated differently, a freshly struck ball at a given speed will travel at a lesser distance than an old ball hit at the same rate. Since 2004, test swing speeds have just been updated.
In summary, the USGA and R&A have announced a plan to roll back golf ball distances starting in 2028, aiming to address sustainability concerns. Professionals must use conforming balls from January 2028, while amateurs switch by 2030. The decision has sparked debate, with professionals criticizing it as reactionary. The governing bodies emphasize a unified equipment standard for all players and ongoing testing to prevent excessive advancements. Despite dissent, the organizations assert that the rollback is essential for the long-term health of the sport.