This morning, the USGA and the R&A announced a Model Local Rule (MLR) proposal that would “roll back the golf ball” for professional players.

The rule proposal would only be implemented by elite competitions and have no impact on recreational golfers.

The notice sent to manufacturers read:

“On 1 February 2021, the USGA and The R&A issued a communication that specified a set of research topics relating to potential Equipment Rule changes intended to address the findings from the Distance Insights Report and the Conclusions from the Distance Insights Project: Implications of Hitting Distance in Golf. In summary, the objectives were to identify mechanisms to address the persistent increases in hitting distance over time that have fueled the pace at which golf courses are lengthening, as well as to enhance the reward of a central impact. Further information on additional research areas were detailed in the March 2022 communication and further refined in June 2022. These communications conveyed interest in the following:

1. To investigate an increase to the clubhead speed used to determine conformance to the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) that reflects the clubhead speeds of the longest hitters of the golf ball; specifically, between 125 and 127 mph. In addition, to investigate the use of optimum conditions of launch angle and spin.

2. To investigate the exploration of (i) reduction of the spring-like effect in drivers, and (ii)
changes to the Moment of Inertia (MoI) limit of drivers to enhance the reward of a central impact.

This research was specifically focused on Characteristic Time (CT) values for drivers of not more than 200 µs and not less than 150 µs and a Moment of Inertia as low as 2,000 g-cm2.
These potential changes were investigated specifically in the context of potential Model Local Rules (MLR).”

Manufacturers and other stakeholders in golf can give feedback until Aug. 14, 2023. If the proposed changes are adopted, the new rules would take effect on Jan 1, 2026.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of the R&A:

“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:

“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.”

Here’s a look at how our members have reacted to the news, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say here.

• JessD: “The outrage over this is hilarious lol. Roll the ball back for everyone. I’m tired of cosplayers playing the tips or tees longer than their own game and spraying the ball all over the place. Rounds are near 5-6 hours because of egos. As said by others in this thread, this could help shorter courses remain relevant. It’s crazy to demand that courses redo their designs or landscaping instead of changing a cheap ball.”
• gaffs: “A modification to the tour pro ball is the most sensible thing to do. It feels like the least disruptive change. You can’t keep lengthening courses. Stokes gained shows that length is the biggest factor in lower scoring. Manufacturers don’t want to stop the club innovation because it’s what makes them their money. This may allow the tours to start including more interesting courses to the schedule and may even allow some of the shorter players to compete again. People shouldn’t worry – Tour Pros will still be hitting a limited ball miles.”
• kasting333: “The local rule already exists so why hasn’t the USGA and R&A proved to us that this change to the ball is what’s best for the game?”