On March 18, 2020, the USGA and The R&A announced that the release of research topics related to the next phase of the Distance Insights Project would be delayed to allow the greater golf industry to focus on its response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Given continued health concerns and the impact on golf worldwide, the USGA and The R&A are now targeting March 2021 for the release of equipment research topics. We will continue to monitor the recovery of the golf industry and may update this target date accordingly. Per the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures, the time for golf equipment manufacturers and other interested parties to participate in this research will also be amended to account for the delay.

In the interim, the USGA and The R&A will continue to monitor the effects of distance on the game. 

Beyond Equipment Rulemaking Procedures, the review of golf course design, setup and maintenance, as well as the availability and choice of appropriate teeing grounds, will continue in support of golf’s long-term health.

For more information: Janeen Driscoll, jdriscoll@usga.org