R&A and USGA "Distance Limits for Amateurs Too"

Controversy Over Golf Ball Performance Regulation Policy
New Rule Revision Announcement Scheduled for Next Year
Bradley Calls It "Backward and Stupid Act"

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA) plan to apply distance limits to amateur golfers as well.

On the 3rd (local time), the American specialized media Golf Digest reported, "Contrary to initial reports, the R&A and USGA intend to apply the distance-related amendments not only to elite golf players but also to general amateur golfers." The plan is to first apply the rules to elite golfers starting in 2028, then expand to amateur golfers from 2030.

The R&A and USGA, which oversee the rules of golf and golf equipment performance worldwide, are set to announce a rule revision that limits the coefficient of restitution of golf balls to a certain level. The core of the rule is to restrict the performance of golf balls so that when hit with a swing speed of 125 mph (approximately 201.2 km/h), the distance does not exceed 317 yards. The driving distance of top players on the PGA Tour will be reduced by about 15 yards. Amateur golfers are expected to experience about a 5% loss in distance.

The R&A and USGA analyze that the essence of golf is being compromised due to increasing distances, which also does not help the development of the golf industry. As distances continue to increase, golf course lengths are also extending. Now, professional tournament courses are approaching 8,000 yards. However, there are also criticisms that applying this to amateur golfers is excessive.

The PGA Tour has clearly stated its opposition to limiting ball performance early on. Keegan Bradley (USA) reacted strongly, saying, "The R&A and USGA are going backward in time. There is nothing more foolish than this." Rickie Fowler (USA) pointed out, "Who would like to have less distance? It's a terrible thing." Tiger Woods (USA), the PGA Tour policy director, expressed a mild opposition, saying, "I have spent my life trying to increase swing speed, but the decision is up to the R&A and USGA."

However, Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), who has supported limiting golf ball performance, expressed a different view. He said, "There will actually be no change for general amateur golfers," and predicted, "For professional players, it will be an opportunity to regain the lost skill shots of the past 20 years."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.