Would Revised Equipment Rules Be A Good Thing For Golf?

The governing bodies believe the increasing distances top players hit the golf ball should be curtailed. Will this have a positive impact on the game?

- Fergus Bisset

In February, The R&A and USGA released a comprehensive report on the Distance Insights Project, concluding that steps should be taken to curb the increasing distances players hit the ball.

Although other factors such as their testing processes, course design, agronomy and teeing options will be considered, the principal avenue the governing bodies will explore with a view to achieving this objective is a possible change to equipment rules.

The report doesn’t single out a reason for the increases in the elite game, but it acknowledges a broad range of contributory factors, including improved player athleticism and technique, course agronomy and advancing equipment technology.

It also acknowledges that equipment manufacturers are working within the regulations. But, as with all innovation, what can be achieved within the boundaries is constantly advancing.

The suggestion is that two principal routes will be considered with regards possible rules changes: a review of overall conformance specifications for clubs and balls; and the possibility of a Local Rule committees can use for competitions, requiring the use of clubs and/or balls producing shorter hitting distances. The latter would likely, though not necessarily, only be taken up temporarily by facilities hosting elite tournaments.

The report states multiple reasons for considering rules changes – it’s not simply an effort to rein in Rory and DJ by a few yards.