The USGA and R&A Announce New Golf Ball Performance Limits
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and Britain’s R&A have officially confirmed and published new golf ball performance limits, marking a significant change in regulations for the sport. Originally intended for men’s elite competitions only, the organizations have now expanded the application to include general amateur golfers. The new regulations are aimed at maintaining the integrity and sustainability of the game, amid concerns over the increasing distance achieved by modern golf balls and its impact on the sport’s unique skills and elements of interest.
New Testing Standards
Under the new testing standards, the maximum distance a golf ball can fly when shot under conditions of a swing speed of 120 miles per hour, a launch angle of 10 degrees, and a spin rate of 2520 rpm must not exceed 317 yards, with a range error of 3 yards. The standards will be altered in the future to a swing speed of 125 miles per hour, a launch angle of 11 degrees, and a spin rate of 2200 rpm. The USGA predicts that these changes will result in decreased driving shot distances, with the longest hitters on the PGA Tour expected to hit 13 to 15 yards less, and average PGA Tour players and male elite players hitting 9 to 11 yards less. LPGA Tour players are also expected to experience a reduction in shot distance by 9 to 11 yards. The regulations will be enforced from 2028 for elite competitions and from 2030 for general amateur golfers.
Impact on Players
It is anticipated that players with faster swing speeds will be more affected by the new regulations, with less impact on iron shots that do not require a fast swing speed. Approximately 30% of golf balls currently in use meet the new standards, but all balls used on the PGA Tour will be deemed unsuitable, posing a challenge for professional players.
Expanded Application
The decision to expand the application of the new rules to all golfers comes after initial plans to apply them only to elite competitions. The USGA and R&A recognized concerns about separating equipment standards and the potential for confusion, particularly among amateur golfers using unofficial balls. The move aims to establish consistent regulations across the sport.
Reactions and Concerns
The measures to inhibit golf ball performance have stirred mixed reactions within the golf community. Some, such as long hitter Rory McIlroy, have expressed approval for the regulations, while others, including the PGA Tour, have called for more leniency in the adjustments. Proponents of maintaining current performance argue that the regulations may stifle the natural abilities of players and alter the dynamics of the game.
Ultimately, the USGA and R&A’s decision to implement new golf ball performance limits reflects ongoing efforts to strike a balance between preserving the sport’s traditions and adapting to shifts in technology and player abilities.
Golf ball./News 1
The United States Golf Association (USGA), which oversees the world rules of golf, and Britain’s R&A have confirmed and published golf ball performance limits. Unlike the original plan to apply it to men’s elite competitions only, it was decided to expand it to general amateur golfers who enjoy it as a hobby.
In the current golf ball test, the distance the ball flies when shot under conditions of a swing speed of 120 miles per hour, a launch angle of 10 degrees, and a spin rate of 2520 rpm (revolutions per minute) must not to exceed 317 yards (range error of 3 yards). In the future, this standard will be changed to a swing speed of 125 miles per hour, a launch angle of 11 degrees, and a spin rate of 2200 rpm. Using balls that pass the altered conditions test, the longest hitters on the PGA Tour will hit 13 to 15 yards, average PGA Tour players and male elite players will hit 9 to 11 yards, and LPGA Tour players will hit 9 to 11 yards. it was predicted that the driving shot distance would decrease by about 5 to 7 yards. The USGA predicted that the average distance reduction for amateur golfers would be less than 5 yards. The new regulations will apply from 2028 for elite competitions and from 2030 for general amateur golfers.
He said that players with faster swing speeds will be more affected, and that the effect will be less on iron shots that do not require a fast swing speed. It is said that around 30% of golf balls currently in use meet the new standards, but all balls used on the PGA Tour will be deemed unsuitable.
The USGA and R&A announced in March that they would only apply the new rules to elite competitions, such as men’s professional competitions, but on this day they officially announced that they would apply to all golfers. There are said to be many concerns that separating equipment standards would lead to confusion. However, there is almost no way to regulate ordinary amateur golfers who use unofficial balls.
Measures to inhibit golf ball performance stem from concerns that an increase in excessive distance threatens various unique golf skills, elements of interest, and sustainability. Shot distance has reportedly increased by an average of 1 yard per year over the past 20 years. Long hitter Rory McIlroy (34, Northern Ireland) expressed his approval, but the PGA Tour said, “More relaxed adjustments are needed.” Brittany Lincicome (38, USA), who was the longest hitter on the LPGA Tour in her prime, said, “You don’t ask a soccer player to run slowly or a tennis player not to hit the ball too hard. stupid.”
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