Follow the bouncing ball is intentionally misleading since this is about the carry and roll of the golf ball. On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 the USGA and R&A, in a joint announcement stated that they will change the way the golf ball is tested. The intention of the change in testing is to cut back on the distance the ball will fly through the air. They want to curb distance not kill it. They claim it will make the game more sustainable in the long run. This will affect all players of the game of golf. Pros will be affected in 2028. The change will come in 2030 for recreational players. Since there are more Americans playing the game now than ever before the change could create wide spread controversy.
This is overall distance standard testing. It is based upon 120 mph clubhead speed, which equates to 176 mph ball speed. The ball launches at a 10 degree angle and spins at 2,520 rpm. It must be noted that the top 25 players on the PGA tour average 183 ball speed.
The New Testing Standards for Professionals
Clubhead speed of 125 mph, 183 mph ball speed, 11 degrees of launch, and 2,200 rpm of spin. The overall distance standard will become 317 yards of carry and roll.
Elite male players may lose 9-10 yards. Ladies shots may be 5 to 7 yards shorter. Men who play recreationally may see their shots go 1-5 yards less. There will be no impact from the 5 iron down. At the present time only 30% of all balls in use conform to the new standard. None of the conforming balls played at the highest level of competition. The most popular equipment manufacturers gear does not now conform to the new standard.
Opponents
Opponents argue that the USGA and R&A is trying to make the game more difficult and less fun for the amateur. PGA Tour asserts that a golf ball that travels shorter will equate to a loss of 13-15yards. The PGA doesn’t support the rule change because it is unfair to manufacturers and will be expensive for them, especially when there are frequent standard changes. They say course set up, design, and competitive characteristics of courses can compensate for increased distances. Why not change the giant driver heads?
Manufacturers don’t like the coming change but will accept what is to come. Simply, they don’t think it is necessary and all is fine the way things are now.
The governing bodies have not made a snap decision. The matter has been studied and discussed since 2003. Over the last 20 years distance has increased by 1 yard each year. The increase in distance and the need to lengthen courses has caused a threat to the games sustainability and loss of player skill.
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