Golf ball is headed for a backspin. But not in a good way — at least for the average golfer.
That is after the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, the governing body for the sport in the world except for Canada, and the United States Golf Association, decided to revise test conditions of golf balls to address the increases in hitting distances as well as the sport’s sustainability.
In their statements, the bodies said they will “update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard, which will take effect from January 2028.”
“The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long-term sustainability while minimizing the impact on the recreational game.”
No less than golf superstar Rory McIlroy praised the decision saying it won’t affect average golfers, anyway.
He has a point.
“It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability,” said the four-time major champion.
“It will also help bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been eradicated over the past two decades.”
The USGA and R&A plan to send a notice to ball manufacturers on Tuesday, according to reports.
