Over the past eight years, The USGA and The R&A 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).

 

Recently, two significant developments have emerged in the efforts to address the impact of distance on the game:

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 emphasize the importance of shot-making. There will be no change to the ODS testing approach until January 2030 while these options are evaluated.

 

The USGA, The R&A, 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