Golf ball rollback: Major tours respond to landmark rule change

Golf’s major tours have have reacted to game-changing news that the game’s governing bodies will roll the ball back.

The R&A and USGA have announced that a rollback will start in 2028 for professionals and 2030 for recreational amateurs.

A joint statement from the R&A and USGA read: “The R&A and USGA will update the testing conditions used for golf ball 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.

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“The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of 13-15 yards in driving distance. Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards, with a 5-7 yard reduction for an average LET or LPGA player.”

“The change in testing speed is expected to have a minimal distance impact, 5 yards or less, for most recreational golfers.”

Here’s what the major tours have said about the rollback so far…

PGA Tour

“Throughout the process, we have provided feedback to the USGA and The R&A and are pleased to see a number of our recommendations reflected in this most recent announcement. However, we believe the proposed increase in test clubhead speed to 125 mph is disproportional to the rate of increase we see when analysing PGA Tour- radar data. In conjunction with guidance from the Player Advisory Council, Player Directors and Policy Board, we will continue to share our feedback with the USGA and The R&A.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan’s memo to members:

“Today’s announcement takes into account previous feedback from the PGA Tour that we believe a Model Local rule related to golf ball conformance is not in the best interests of the gamer as a whole, and also feedback the PGA Tour received from the manufacturing community that a longer timeframe prior to implementation would be needed for such a change.

“Furthermore, the suggested concept of adding an additional testing protocol to address the issue of “creep” on the spring-like effect of driver faces is something the PGA Tour continues to support. However, we continue to provide feedback to the USGA and the R&A that we believe the proposed increase in test clubhead speed to 125 mph is disproportional to the rate of increase we see when analysing PGA Tour radar data on launch conditions, using best practices for analysing data. Therefore, we do not support today’s announcement regarding the increase to 125 mph, believing a more moderate adjustment is appropriate.”

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DP World Tour

A DP World Tour spokesperson told bunkered.co.uk: “We appreciate the amount of time and effort the game’s governing bodies, The R&A and the USGA have expended in research in this area. They are golf’s rule makers, and we therefore respect the decision they have arrived at.”

LPGA Tour

“The LPGA is appreciative of the leadership and stewardship of the USGA and The R&A on a variety of topics within the game, including today’s announcement regarding the anticipated changes to the rules governing distance. While we do not feel there is a distance issue in the women’s game, we recognise the need for the USGA and the R&A to address complex challenges and ensure the game’s continued long-term growth, success and sustainability.

We support the USGA and R&A’s decision to eliminate their previous proposal for implementation of a Model Local Rule related to the golf ball as we believe a unified approach to the game is important for the continued growth of women’s golf. Consistency across the game provides the best opportunity for the LPGA to showcase the enormous talent of our athletes and helps ensure the LPGA will continue to be a leader in elevating, inspiring, and advancing girls and women as we have been for more than 73 years.

We will continue to study the data the USGA and The R&A have shared and the effect these proposed changes will have on the women’s recreational, junior, amateur and professional game in 2028 and 2030; and we will continue to advocate for the advancement of the women’s game at every level.”