For the first time, golf regulators seem willing to allow significant differences in rules between elite players and other golfers, as a way to combat the distance gains that the sport has made with the advancement of technology.
Known as “bifurcation”, this would mean that professional tours and elite amateur competitions could require competitors to use restricted equipment, while allowing day-to-day players the benefits that these technological gains bring them.
The United States Golf Association and R&A jointly announced on Tuesday that they are proposing changes to equipment standards, including a possible local rule for club and ball specifications. They are also proposing changes to the length of the club.
A year ago, USGA and R&A launched their “Distance Insights Project”, in which they said the continued increase in duration was “detrimental” to the game.
On Tuesday, they announced three proposed changes:
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A limit on the maximum driver length of 48 to 46 inches. The champion of the United States Open, Bryson DeChambeau, is one of the top players who experimented with the longest axis driver to achieve greater distance off the tee.
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Changes in how drivers are tested for distance, which is known as the spring effect, and changes in how golf balls are tested by reviewing conditions.
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The maximum duration of the driver will have a review period of one month, while the other test proposals will be reviewed over a period of six months.
As part of the proposal, the governing bodies set an example where a committee could limit the maximum driver length by means of a “model local rule” and that the amendment is “recommended for use only in competitions limited to highly qualified players”. This means that recreational golfers would still be playing according to the rules, even using the longer clubs.
Professional tournaments, including the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, as well as major championships, all play by USGA or R&A rules, depending on jurisdiction. Exceptions made at the highest levels – such as the “one ball” rule used in professional tournaments – are all covered in the rules book, usually in accordance with local regulations.
After years of discussion on the topic, government agencies now seem ready to act on long-distance gains.
“Research … clearly shows that hitting distances have increased consistently over time and, if left unchecked, can threaten the future of our game at all levels and on all golf courses it is played on” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “This is the first step forward on a journey and a responsibility that the USGA and R&A share with the world golf community, to ensure that golf continues to thrive for the next hundred years and beyond. ”
Said Martin Slumbers, chief executive of R&A: “The research topics and proposed changes that we announce 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 its prospects in We remain fully committed to conduct this extremely important exercise for the sport in a complete, efficient and collaborative way. ”