Driver: Wilson Dynapwr Max+ (12 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6s

3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15 degrees)
Shaft: UST Mamiya Lin-Q PowerCore Red 7s

7-Wood: Ping G440 Max (21 Degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8s

Hybrid: Titleist GT3 (24 degrees)
Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Black Gen5 80hy 6.0

Irons: Callaway Apex Ai150 (5-PW)
Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold MID 115 S300

Wedge: Bettinardi HLX 6.0 50-08 C
Shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 S

Wedge: Bettinardi HLX 6.0 56-14 RJ
Shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 S

Wedge: Bettinardi HLX 6.0 60-08 C
Shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 125 S

Putter: Kevin Burns 9306 2.0
Grip: Iomic Standard

Ball: Titleist ProV1x

Bag: Ghost Golf GT-14 Patriot

In a joint statement today, the USGA and The R&A announced they will pause implementation of further changes to golf ball testing standards as they evaluate new approaches to addressing distance gains at the highest levels of the sport, which were originally set to take effect for professionals in 2028, per the organizations’ 2023 announcement.

Today’s statement indicated that, for the past eight years, golf’s governing bodies have expressed concern about steadily increasing driving distances and the long-term impact on the game. Following extensive consultation with stakeholders, the organizations previously agreed to modify the Overall Distance Standard (ODS), which governs how golf balls are tested.

However, after recent developments in the ongoing effort to manage distance, the USGA and The R&A said they will take additional time to assess a range of options before determining the best path forward.

The specific developments the governing bodies identified are as follows:

1. “Feedback from the golf industry on the Notice and Comment related to the date of implementation of the updated ODS testing approach indicated that the majority support a single-date implementation (2030) versus a two-date, phased implementation (2028 and 2030).”
2. “Constructive discussions between the governing bodies, PGA Tour leadership, the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC), DP World Tour leadership and other stakeholders yielded three key outcomes: (a) recognition that distance continues to increase at the elite level; (b) a concern by the Tours that the updated ODS testing approach may not achieve the desired results; (c) a collective willingness to reconsider alternative approaches that may more materially impact the pace of future distance increases, while minimizing disruption to the overall golf market.”

The governing bodies plan to work closely with key stakeholders, including the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and their players, to review, test, and potentially implement measures to reduce distance at the elite level. Officials said the goal is to preserve the importance of shotmaking and prevent the professional game from becoming overly reliant on power.

In other words, after talking with the tours, rather than continuing directly toward the planned 2030 rollout of the revised testing standard, the USGA and R&A are now working with said professional tours to explore alternative distance-control measures. The release did not specify what form the measures could take. They have stated there will be no change to the ODS testing approach until January 2030 while those options are reviewed and tested.

Driver: Ping G440 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 TX

3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 80 TX

5-wood: Ping G440 Max (19 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana WB 83 TX

Irons: Ping iDi (3), Ping i230 (4-PW)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X100

Wedges: Ping S259 (50 S-12, 54 S-12, 60 T-06)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold S400

Putter: Ping PLD Milled Ally Blue 4

Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Check out more in-hand photos of Mason Howell’s clubs here.