"Across-the-game change" agreed for golf ball testing
‘These efforts will ensure the elite game does not become too one-dimensional’
Golf’s governing bodies - The R&A and USGA - have agreed on an “across-the-game change” in how golf balls are tested as part of a bid to stop the game becoming too one-dimensional.
The testing via the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) was announced on the eve of the season’s third men’s major, the 126th US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The development was announced in a joint-statement from The R&A, USGA, PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with Fred Ridley, the Augusta National, having also raised concerns about the game becoming one-dimensional during The Masters this year.
The statement read: “Over the past eight years, The R&A and The USGA have raised concern about distance increases and the long-term consequences of failing to address this consistent trend.
“Through a series of formal feedback processes and numerous individual stakeholder meetings, the governing bodies agreed on an across-the-game change in how golf balls are tested via the Overall Distance Standard (ODS).”
The statement detailed “two recent significant developments” related to the efforts to address the impact of distance on the game.
One was about feedback from the industry indicating that the majority support a single-date implementation (2030) versus a two-date, phased implementation (2028 and 2030).
The second was around “constructive discussions between the governing bodies, PGA Tour leadership, the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council (PAC), DP World Tour leadership and other stakeholders.
The statement went on: “Given these developments, The R&A and USGA will take the appropriate amount of time to assess a range of possible options and determine the path forward.
“Specifically, the governing bodies will work closely with key stakeholders - including the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and their respective members - to review, test and implement options that have a meaningful impact on distance at the elite level.
“These efforts will ensure the elite game does not become too one-dimensional while continuing to emphasise the importance of shot-making. There will be no change to the ODS testing approach until January 2030 while these options are evaluated.
“The R&A, the USGA, PGA Tour and DP World Tour are confident in the path forward and committed to working collaboratively, and with other key stakeholders, to ensure the long-term health of the game.”
Mike Whan, the USGA CEO, spoke about the development during a pre-US Open press conference at Shinnecock Hills. “Collective willingness is I think what we felt,” he said of the meeting that have led to where things are now.
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