USGA and R&A announce proposal to limit golf ball performance for elite level competition

[elwhippy]

2026 looking like the date the Pros get their own, limited distance balls. Cue knashing of teeth from the manufacturers....I can see the marketing blurb...new V1, number one ball on tour, and shorter than the ball you play. 

[jdl]

Would take effect in 2026 if it gets through all the hurdles.

 

 

[Blaiser]

Well this thread is about to go nuts.

[the bishop]

IBTL

[bekgolf]

Growing up the rough, narrowing fairways, and planting trees just doesn't occur to these guys. 

[TayTaySlam]

But why

[tiderider]

[Dutch1008]

6 minutes ago, bekgolf said:

Growing up the rough, narrowing fairways, and planting trees just doesn't occur to these guys. 

Seems like the trend in course design / renovation these days is to remove excess trees. 

 

But I get your point. This seems pointless. The 2013 US Open at Merion proved you could bulk up a classic course w/o pushing it to 7,750 yds. 

[buckeyefl]

Nope.

 

Unnecessary and overreaching as usual. They have much more important things to focus on than this nonsense.

[ReidE5]

I understand it coming from the perspective of land becoming more and more valuable.  You can only continue to make courses longer to a certain extent.  The use of trees and shaping holes so you cant cut corners is another way to do it.... but then it is too hard for the members / guests who play there regularly.  I dont like the idea of seeing pros only hit it 300yards total but im interested to see what they come up with. 

[Kenbone]

[bekgolf]

1 minute ago, ReidE5 said:

I understand it coming from the perspective of land becoming more and more valuable.  You can only continue to make courses longer to a certain extent.  The use of trees and shaping holes so you cant cut corners is another way to do it.... but then it is too hard for the members / guests who play there regularly.  I dont like the idea of seeing pros only hit it 300yards total but im interested to see what they come up with. 

 

It's a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.  So what if today's pros are scoring lower?  Lowest score will always win.

 

Protecting par is as easy as rerating holes.  With that said I've never understood the whole "protecting par" aspect.

[Dutch1008]

2 minutes ago, ReidE5 said:

The use of trees and shaping holes so you cant cut corners is another way to do it.... but then it is too hard for the members / guests who play there regularly.

Not sure I follow. Why should the members/guests be allowed to cut the corner? Also, why are these scrubs playing from the tournament tees? If the course is too hard for you, move your butt to the white tees.  

[NevinW]

Good, should have happened quite a while ago.  Bifurcation is needed.

 

[golfinbrad]

This should be interesting.  Strictly making a ball go shorter will really penalize the shorter players.  Bring back the high spinning balata.  

[Garydean]

[Cwebb]

Lets make the ball longer and remove any limit on drivers.  The score is just the score, right?

[ReidE5]

13 minutes ago, Dutch1008 said:

Not sure I follow. Why should the members/guests be allowed to cut the corner? Also, why are these scrubs playing from the tournament tees? If the course is too hard for you, move your butt to the white tees.  

I was just thinking if trees / layout didnt allow anyone from any tees to cut corners then the second shot after a forced layup is the same distance for pros and casuals.  Just thinking "out loud" lol

[geesecougar2]

Sign me up to play the Tour ball!

[mktrout]

has the USGA ever done anything good? No, its a terrible organization and this is a terrible idea.

[TheDominator273]

Poor solution to a problem that doesn't exist.  Just like the grooves and anchoring.

[UncleJohn’sBand]

This is so far sighted it’s almost sad to see. 
 

Stick to focusing on amateur golf. I can see the PGA and DP World Tours  scoffing at this idea and not accepting the proposed local rule. That might make the change DOA, which in itself would be hilarious to watch.  

[Dutch1008]

7 minutes ago, ReidE5 said:

I was just thinking if trees / layout didnt allow anyone from any tees to cut corners then the second shot after a forced layup is the same distance for pros and casuals.  Just thinking "out loud" lol

Gotcha, I was thinking more about the architect's intention and the fact that a member/guest should have a 25-75 yd advantage on the pro by simply playing the appropriate tee box. 13th at Augusta is a good example. Unless you have a big sweeping hook in the toolbox, it's designed as a 3 shot hole. They don't give the members a chance to cut the corner while removing that option from the pros.  

[geauxt]

Incredibly stupid 

[Mrgreen36]

This should turn out well. 

[gvogel]

17 minutes ago, UncleJohn’sBand said:

This is so far sighted it’s almost sad to see. 
 

Stick to focusing on amateur golf. I can see the PGA and DP World Tours  scoffing at this idea and not accepting the proposed local rule. That might make the change DOA, which in itself would be hilarious to watch.  

I would like to see the US Open, Open Championship and Masters played with the proposed ball.  Let's see what happens.  Then, and only then, should we make decisions on what is best for elite golf.

[Albatross Dreamer]

[CLEVELAND59]

As per usual the R&A and the USGA could screw up a one car funeral.  They are so far out of touch with the sport its almost pathetic.  There needs to be a new world organizing body for golf.  They have proved they are completely incapable of managing the game.

Edited March 14 by CLEVELAND59
can't spell

[geesecougar2]

Breaking: the USGA and R&A will ban LIV players from the Opens in exchange for the major Tours accepting the rule change 🤪

[OrangeGravy]

I'm here for the rage and chaos