Governing bodies announce plan to roll back golf ball

The R&A and USGA have announced a proposal to introduce a model local rule for golf balls used in elite competitions.

In an announcement before today’s press conference on the subject, the governing bodies of the game said that the changes will impact the testing conditions for golf balls which will be used in elite level golf competitions.

They say that this will have no impact on the ‘majority of golfers’ but will instead be aimed at ‘elite players.’ This means the rules of golf will be different for professionals to amateurs.

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The statement explains that: “Golf balls that conform to the model local rule (MLR) must not exceed the current Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards (plus three yards tolerance) at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC) with a club head speed of 127 mph and based on a calibration set-up for 11 degrees and 37 revolutions per second (2220 rpm) as part of this proposal.” 

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Previously, the club head speed that was used in this test was 120mph.

It continues: ” All other balls, including those typically used by recreational golfers with lower swing speeds, would continue to be tested using the existing ALC values (120 mph, and a calibration set-up of 10 degrees and 42 revolutions per second – 2520 rpm). The current ODS limit of 317 yards will remain unchanged and would be applied to both testing set-ups.”

The change is scheduled to be implemented from the start of 2026 at the earliest. They say that the changes will reduce hitting distances by the longest players with the fastest club head speeds by between 14 and 15 yards.

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Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said:

“At the core of our proposal is a desire to minimise the impact on a flourishing recreational game. We believe the proposed Model Local Rule will help us move forward in a way that protects the inherent qualities of the sport and reduces the pressure to lengthen courses. This is an important issue for golf and one which needs to be addressed if the sport is to retain its unique challenge and appeal.” 
 
Mike Whan, CEO of The USGA said:

“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years. It’s been two decades since we last revisited our testing standards for ball distances. Predictable, continued increases will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon. The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “We are taking the next steps in this process, guided first and foremost by doing what’s right by the entire game.”

The report stresses that the change is only intended for elite level competitions, however what is classed as an elite event hasn’t yet been confirmed.

The R&A and USGA will both implement the Model Local Rule in 2026, however other organisations such as the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and Augusta National will have the option to do so.

The changes come just weeks before the Masters, where the 13th hole has been lengthened by 35 yards since 2022, in an effort to turn the tide on players reaching the green in two.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor