The rollback would be implemented for golfers of all levels in 2030—different than the bifurcated proposal those governing bodies put forward earlier this year. The USGA and R&A predict a 10-15 yards decrease for golf’s longest hitters, down to 1-5 yards for amateurs.

We have finalized the next step in our years-long effort to address consistent increases in hitting distance and golf’s sustainability.

These changes to the Overall Distance Standard will take effect in January 2028.

— USGA (@USGA) December 6, 2023

Naturally, the rule change caused an eruption from golfers on all sides. Let’s break down some of the most noteworthy reactions.

Bridgestone Golf

Golf ball maker Bridgestone Golf issued a statement effectively saying they don’t like it, but they accept it and are moving on.

Bridgestone Golf statement regarding USGA/R&A distance roll back announcement: pic.twitter.com/L290S6nJtX

— Bridgestone Golf (@bridgestonegolf) December 6, 2023

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy has been outspoken in support of his rollback. After a tweet over the weekend, McIlroy joined Sky Sports on Wednesday morning to support the official proposal, saying that it’ll lead to a more “skilled” game.

"I think this change will make the game more skilful again" ?

World number two golfer Rory McIlroy has backed the new changes to rules regarding golf ball specifications which will see a reduce in distance they travel ?️? pic.twitter.com/XamHvgVhBA

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 6, 2023

TaylorMade Golf

McIlroy’s sponsor, TaylorMade Golf, released a statement on the rollback, expressing opposition but acceptance. On Golf Channel, the company’s CEO David Abeles said: “This decision has been made, and we will move forward.”

PGA Tour

The PGA Tour, with a vast majority of players being against the decision, released a statement questioning the specifics of the new testing protocols, saying they aren’t representative of on-course speeds.

Callaway Golf

Callaway Golf carved out a unique position, expressing disappointment that the USGA moved away from a bifurcated proposal.

PGA of America

The PGA of America released a statement praising the delayed timeline of implementing the new rule, but expressing concerns over a “greater reduction of distance than we would advise” for recreational players.

We appreciate that the USGA and R&A ran a collaborative and patient process over the past several years. We are particularly gratified that they heard our concerns regarding the significant operational challenges bifurcation would have presented and are no longer considering a local rule regarding the ball for elite players. We are also pleased that the proposed change to the ball has been delayed until 2028 for elite players and 2030 for recreational golfers. Given the important role our nearly 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals play in the recreational game, having more time to adjust to the new rule is helpful. We remain opposed to any change that may potentially lessen the enjoyment of the game for recreational golfers or diminish the unprecedented momentum the game is enjoying. It appears recreational golfers will see a greater reduction in distance than we would advise. While this decrease has been lessened, we continue to recommend being more moderate on the swing speed change for the golf ball conformance test. At this time, we continue to have concerns and look forward to continuing this important conversation and finding resolution with all of our golf industry partners.

USGA and R&A CEOs Mike Whan and Martin Slumbers

Defending their own proposal on Golf Channel, Slumbers said that the move was designed to “protect the long-term health and sustainability of the game…with the environmental concerns,” while Whan punched back against some of the proposal’s critics:

“There’s gonna be a lot of ambulance chasers and alarmists that are gonna make this thing seem so much worse than it really is. … I don’t want a few loud voices that are trying to get more clicks and more viewers and more phone calls to drive a frenzy that quite frankly isn’t based in fact.”

.@RandA and @USGA CEOs Martin Slumbers and Mike Whan detail what the universal golf ball rollback announcement means for players of all levels.

?: @GolfCentral breaking news coverage live now on Golf Channel pic.twitter.com/remf2OX3Q2

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) December 6, 2023

Main image: Mike Ehrmann

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On Wednesday, Lewis expressed disappointment when asked if the organisers of the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup, team match-play competitions being held in back-to-back weeks in Europe for the first and likely only time, could have done more to jointly promote the events.

“I thought this could have been marketed together as two weeks in Europe, two cups for play. I think it was a missed opportunity for the sport of golf,” Lewis said from Finca Cortesin, site of this week’s Solheim Cup. “I wish people could get the sponsorship things out of their head and figure out how we can work together. This may not ever happen again, the two Cups being played in the same year. So I thought it was a massive missed opportunity.”

Lewis went on to say she “tried to do a little bit with the guys and just weren’t really able to move things along the way I would have liked. … I just would like to see it for the good of the game. It’s not to further women’s golf. Let’s further the game of golf in general.”

The LPGA and Ladies European Tour oversee the Solheim Cup while the PGA of America and DP World Tour are responsible for the Ryder Cup. Ordinarily, the biennial events are played in opposite years, but when the Ryder Cup was delayed from 2020 to 2021 due to COVID, it created a one-time overlap for 2023. (The LPGA is moving the Solheim Cup to even years in 2024).

On Thursday, the PGA of America released a statement in response to Lewis’ quotes.

“We are enthusiastic supporters of the US Solheim Cup Team and are promoting the Solheim Cup in a number of ways. For starters, we are creating digital assets and collaborating with our friends at the LPGA on our social media channels. For the first time, we produced a US Ryder Cup Team video in which the players and our Captain expressed their support for the Solheim Cup Team.”

On Thursday morning, Ryder Cup USA posted this video via the social-media platform X.

From one ?? squad to another: LET'S GOOOOOOO!

Can't wait to watch @SolheimCupUSA: you got this?#GoUSA pic.twitter.com/XlfN6CAW97

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 21, 2023

Additionally, the PGA of America’s statement noted: “We are also supporting the Solheim Cup with editorial content on PGA.com and by engaging with Solheim Cup content across PGA of America channels. Finally, our CEO Seth Waugh will be onsite in Spain to cheer on the US Solheim Cup Team for all of us.

“While scheduling and logistics challenges precluded some other joint activations, the PGA of America will help to raise awareness in a meaningful way through our digital and social media efforts.”

Main image: Angel Martinez

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The proposed rollback of the golf ball by the USGA and the R&A is now moving to its next, and perhaps most definitive — and potentially most contentious — stage.

The deadline for companies, golf associations and individuals to file documents with the USGA and R&A on a proposed rule that could essentially roll back the ball for elite male professional events like the US Open and Open Championship passed on Monday, and while the ruling bodies have not made public any of the comments they received, they apparently received plenty.

The USGA released a statement to Golf Digest on Thursday that reads: “The close of the comment period marks another important step in a thorough and inclusive governance process for golf. We’re grateful for the insightful feedback we’ve received across the game. It’s now our job, in partnership with The R&A, to thoroughly review this latest round of information we’ve received. One thing is clear‑there are many who care about golf’s future as much as we do, and all voices play a critical role as we determine the best path forward. We anticipate providing further direction on this topic in the coming months.”

The distance issue has been a front button topic for the R&A for the last five years, culminating in an announcement in March seeking comment from any and all constituents on a proposal to institute a new testing procedure for golf balls. That new test could be used to create what’s called a Model Local Rule, which is basically a stipulation that an event or tour could put in place for its participants. This particular stipulation would raise the swing speed used for testing balls for conformance in specified events from 120 miles per hour to 127 miles per hour. That could reduce driving distances by as much as 20 yards. The USGA and R&A have stated firmly they would plan to implement such a rule at their respective open championships, and they have stated that “the MLR is intended for use only in elite competitions and, if adopted, will have no impact on recreational golf”. As proposed, it would go into effect beginning in 2026.

Recently, both the PGA Tour and the PGA of America released statements saying they will not support the proposed rollback MLR. As well, several manufacturers contacted by Golf Digest have expressed their disagreement with the need for any such MLR on golf ball distance, off the record. However, no statements or documents on the comments they’ve received have been made public by the ruling bodies, and it appears the next step is several months away. That next step could be a decision to go forward with the proposed MLR, to pull back from any proposed distance-related changes, or to adjust any of the specifics in the current proposed ruling or testing process, thus beginning another notice and comment period.

According to the USGA’s official process for making equipment rule changes, comments will be published on the USGA and R&A websites, although “appropriate controls will be in place to prevent comments from being published without the submitter’s permission”. Under the terms of the process, “The USGA and The R&A will consider all comments equally, whether or not the submitter gives permission for the comments to be published.”

USGA’s Mike Whan. Rob Carr

While the official guidelines for the equipment rulemaking process stress transparency, it is also clearly stated that the final decision rests with the USGA and the R&A. The leaders of both organisations, USGA CEO Mike Whan and R&A CEO Martin Slumbers, have been clear that a change to distance at the elite level of men’s golf is required. Whan said in announcing the proposed MLR in March: “You want to critique the USGA and the R&A over the last 20 years, on: ‘Why didn’t you do this five, seven, 10 years ago?’ Fair comment, and we’ve taken that on, too. But taking another 10 years off, looking the other way and saying: ‘Distance is great, everybody is excited, and of course [distance] is going to grow by more than a yard a year for the next 20 years, and we all know it but we’ll just turn the other cheek’? Well, that would be a shame.”

The PGA of America’s memorandum to the USGA on the MLR, which was co-signed by eight other PGAs worldwide, called for the ruling bodies to pause and reconsider the “unintended consequences” of the proposed change. “We fear that the proposed changes could seriously interrupt the current momentum in the game and be fundamentally damaging and detrimental in the long run. We are also very aware that there are sets of data that conflict with the R&A and USGA materials … We would ask that the R&A and USGA firstly extend the consultation period to allow a review of the conflicting data being presented and for more data to be gathered to prove or disprove if change is indeed required.”

Currently on the PGA Tour, the average driving distance is 299.8, 0.2 yards ahead of where it was this time a year ago. While that marks the fifth time since 2015 that the average declined or was less than a yard, four other times that increase was 2.5 yards or more. If it finishes at that number, it would be 12.4 yards ahead of where it was in 2013. As well, the percentage of drives 320 yards or longer was about seven per cent 10 years ago. Today, it is 19.45 per cent. Conversely, according to data provided by Arccos, the GPS stat-tracking app that’s recorded more than 750 million shots, the average drive for the average male golfer dropped by half a yard from 2018 to 2022 to 226 yards.

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If you’re like many golfers on a golf trip, you’ve done some practice putting in your hotel room. Heck, we’ve seen certain tour pros bold enough to try trick shots through their sliding glass doors and even turn their rooms into makeshift driving ranges. Golfers can be real sickos. And now, those obsessed with the game won’t have to put their clubs down after turndown service at one future resort.

Introducing Bays Golf Experience and Suites, a joint venture between equipment giant TaylorMade and The Bays, which was first reported by Front Office Sports. This new luxury golf resort will be the latest addition to the PGA of America’s spectacular new Frisco, Texas, headquarters, and it truly looks like a golfer’s paradise.

According to FOS, there will be driving range-style hitting bays, a 25,000-square-foot putting green, a 100-foot wide TV screen, and custom club fitting (of course). But what sets this place apart is that it’s also a luxury hotel with a rooftop pool, a restaurant/bar, and 24 suites — each with their own private hitting bays! Talk about a golfer’s paradise. Take a look at some of the rendered images:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Front Office Sports (@frontofficesports)

Pretty snazzy, huh?

“TaylorMade is thrilled to build out a new custom fitting centre at The Bays in Frisco. We look forward to welcoming players from around the world and helping them improve their game with the most advanced and innovative products TaylorMade offers,” TaylorMade CEO David Abeles said in a statement.

And golfers of all abilities look forward to staying there after its expected opening in spring 2025. They just might not get much sleep.

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Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America has announced an agreement with DP World that will see the global supply chain leader become a Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup.

Established in 1927, the biennial competition pits 12 of the top professional golfers from the US and Europe against each other in a head-to-head match-play competition and has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, captivating an audience of millions around the globe. The Ryder Cup is a complex logistical operation involving hundreds of different partners and contractors. DP World will be bringing its industry leading capabilities to help deliver the event by connecting smart logistics with the passion and precision of golf.

There are just over two months to go until Team USA get their title defence under way at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club just outside Rome, Italy, and DP World is busy working with Ryder Cup Europe and PGA of America to create the smartest, most efficient and innovative supply chain solutions to ensure the smooth running of the 2023 Ryder Cup.   

This partnership agreement with golf’s biggest event strengthens DP World’s strong ties with the game of golf, and the wider sports sector, where it is on a mission to support the growth of sports worldwide through its smart logistics solutions. It has been Title Partner of the European Tour group’s main Tour, the DP World Tour, since the start of the 2022 season and the tournament Title Partner of the season ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai since 2009.

Daniel van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer at DP World, said: “At DP World, we are committed to supporting the growth of sports globally in reaching new audiences and markets through our smart logistic solutions. The Ryder Cup has become one of the world’s greatest sporting events, so we are delighted that DP World can play an integral part in delivering that for the millions of sports fans around the world. Whilst the partnership supports both our commercial and brand objectives it also allows us to showcase our global logistics network that is uniquely positioned to support the events partners and contractors with faster, smarter, and more sustainable ways of delivery.”

Guy Kinnings, Ryder Cup Director, added: “The Ryder Cup is a truly global sporting event which connects people around the world and we are delighted that DP World, which connects people through its smart trade and logistics expertise, have joined our commercial family. We of course know each other very well through our highly successful DP World Tour partnership and the Ryder Cup provides a wonderful additional platform to grow their booming business and in turn, we can utilise their logistical expertise to help deliver a truly world class event. We look forward to working together at what promises to be a truly historic match in Rome this September.”

As part of the partnership agreement, DP World will use the Ryder Cup as a global platform to engage with customers, prospects, and stakeholders, forming an essential part of its business growth in key sectors. Fans can expect to see a series of digital and experiential initiatives run in conjunction with the partnership including the presence of DP World’s ‘second life’ golf ball container in the Ryder Cup fan village, where fans will be encouraged to donate unwanted to golf balls to be given back to grassroots golf projects around the world.

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In the wake of the partnership announced between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, several of golf’s leading organizations released statements.

Augusta National Golf Club and Masters chairman Fred Ridley wrote Tuesday, “As we have expressed previously, what makes golf special is its rich history and ability to bring people together. We are encouraged by this announcement, which represents a positive development in bringing harmony to men’s professional golf.

“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament are—and will remain—devoted to developing the game and celebrating its many virtues.”

LIV Golf members were allowed to play in last year’s Masters, and Ridley did not announce any future sanctions regarding players of the LIV Golf circuit regarding the tournament.

Ridley was named in LIV Golf’s antitrust complaint against the PGA Tour, with LIV players alleging Ridley discouraged players from jumping to the breakaway circuit. Additionally, Augusta National was part of the Department of Justice’s antitrust probe which was spurred by LIV Golf’s accusations against the golf ecosystem. As part of Tuesday’s surprise merger, both the tour and LIV said all pending litigation will come to an end.

R&A CEO Martin Slumbers noted: “We care deeply about golf’s future and are committed to ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for many years to come.”

A statement from The R&A on today's announcement by PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF. pic.twitter.com/Y9COPWZps5

— The R&A (@RandA) June 6, 2023

Mike Whan, the USGA CEO, interestingly acknowledged he first learned of the deal when it was announced Tuesday morning: “Like most of the golf world, we were surprised by today’s PGA Tour/DP World Tour/LIV Golf news. If this proposed consolidation can help resolve the conflicts in men’s professional golf and allows all parties to focus on the incredible interest, growth, and opportunities that exist within our global game, then it’s an important step forward. We look forward to learning more about how this new approach can further drive long-term growth in our wonderful game.”

The PGA of America also commented: “We were pleased, relieved and like others, surprised to learn this morning that the division within the men’s elite professional game appears to be on a pathway to resolution. While we look forward to learning further details in time, our actions will, as always, remain focused on delivering on our mission to serve PGA Professionals and grow the game. During this time of abundant opportunity in golf, we look forward to collaborating with other golf industry leaders to continue to advance our sport with our Members at the forefront of those efforts.”

Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA commissioner, noted: “As we have consistently said, a fractured ecosystem is not good for the game and we look forward to learning what today’s announcement means for the growth and impact of global golf. We remain focused on growing the LPGA, continuing to work with the top partners in the world to provide the best opportunity for our membership and to make sure that everything we do continues to allow us to inspire, elevate and advance opportunities for girls and women, on and off the golf course.”

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The PGA of America announced its eligibility requirements for the 2023 PGA Championship, and despite past signals about LIV players possibly jeopardising their status for the tournament, members of the circuit will indeed get to compete for the Wanamaker Trophy this year at Oak Hill in Rochester, New York.

“Our decisions are always based on what’s in the best interest of the PGA of America and conducting the best championship possible,” said PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh. “As always, our focus will be on our mission to grow the game and improve the lives of our members, who work so hard to impact millions of lives every day.”

The championship’s bylaws had required players to be PGA of America members in order to play in the PGA Championship, a status they gain through their membership on the PGA Tour. Two years ago at Kiawah Island, Waugh said those who were banned or suspended by the tour would likely lose their PGA of America privileges, keeping them out of the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup. Last May at Southern Hills, Waugh said his Kiawah comments “still stand”.

“Our bylaws do say that you have to be a recognised member of a recognised tour in order to be a PGA member somewhere, and therefore eligible to play,” Waugh said at the 2022 PGA Championship. “If something else became one of those, obviously we’d have to recognise it.”

Instead, past PGA Championship winners who have moved to LIV (Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Martin Kaymer) will receive an invite to this year’s PGA, along with winners of the other major championships the past five years and winners of the Players Championship the past three years. Recent LIV signees Mito Periera and Brendan Steele will likewise be in the field by finishing in the top 15 at last year’s championship.

Mickelson, the 2021 PGA winner, did not attempt to defend his title last year.

The move comes a day after the R&A announced that the Open Championship will remain open to LIV Golf members. Augusta National and the USGA had previously announced their respective tournaments for 2023 will remain open to LIV Golf members. This year’s PGA Championship begins May 18 at Oak Hill. Justin Thomas is the defending champ.

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The investigation has been spurred by the tour’s battle with LIV Golf, as the circuit has accused the tour of anticompetitive behaviur and joined an antitrust lawsuit first filed by LIV golfers in US District Court in August. In July, players’ agents received inquiries from the DOJ’s antitrust division regarding laws about participating in non-tour events and the tour’s actions related to LIV. The tour has countersued LIV, asserting that the case is not about unfair competition — “if anyone is competing unfairly, it is LIV, not the tour”.

The WSJ report does not specify why Augusta National, the USGA and the PGA of America have been brought into the investigation. However, the governing bodies have been mentioned in LIV’s antitrust allegations. In the suit’s original filing, LIV golfers allege that Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley discouraged players from moving to the breakaway circuit, while PGA of America officials allegedly told players at the Ryder Cup that joining LIV would make them ineligible to play in future matches.

The DOJ’s investigation has itself been under scrutiny, with members of Congress questioning why the department has inserted itself into the matter.

In a statement to Golf Digest, the USGA acknowledged it is aware of the probe. “We can confirm that we have been contacted by the Department of Justice and are fully complying with any/all requests,” a spokesperson said. “Given this is a legal matter, we will refrain from further comment at this time.” A spokesperson for the PGA of America said the PGA has no comment. As of this writing Augusta National has not responded to requests for comment.

A PGA Tour spokesperson confirmed to Golf Digest this summer that the tour was aware of the investigation. “This was not unexpected. We went through this in 1994, and we are confident in a similar outcome.”

This is not the first time the tour has faced antitrust claims. In the early 1990s, the Federal Trade Commission concluded a four-year investigation into whether the tour had violated antitrust laws — partially due to a rule stipulating permission for a conflicting-event release, which the tour has invoked this year to suspend those who have moved to LIV Golf. At the time, the FTC recommended federal action, but none was ultimately taken, a circumstance credited to the work of then PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem (a lawyer himself who worked in President Jimmy Carter’s administration) and the tour’s lobbying mastery. Coincidentally, this clashed with LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman’s first try to challenge the PGA Tour through his attempt to launch the World Tour.

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The post Report: Augusta National, USGA, PGA of America brought into investigation in Justice Department’s antitrust probe appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

“When the PGA of America partnered with KPMG and the LPGA Tour in 2015, we promised to elevate this event by increasing the purse, conducting it at venues with a history of hosting men’s major championships such as Congressional Country Club, and delivering broadcast network coverage,” Jim Richerson, president of the PGA of America, said in a statement. “As part of our shared commitment to support and showcase women’s golf, we have delivered on those promises.”

This isn’t the first major to announce a huge purse increase on the LPGA Tour in 2022. In January, the USGA announced an increase from $5.5 million to $10 million for the US Women’s Open. The Chevron Championship, the first major of the year, also had a sizable increase, growing from $3 million to $5 million. The Amundi Evian Championship, which will be played in July, increased its purse from $4.5 million to $6.5 million.

These increases, along with others on the schedule, have made 2022 a record-breaking year for the LPGA: In 2022, the players on the LPGA Tour are playing for $97.1 million.

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By Joel Beall
The USGA announced Tuesday that it will allow those who are competing in this week’s LIV Golf Invitational to play in next week’s U.S. Open.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has long promised that any tour member who competes in an event on the rival league would face suspension from the PGA Tour and possibly a lifetime ban, and the tour denied conflicting-event releases to all tour members who requested to compete in LIV Golf’s inaugural event in London. Likewise, the PGA of America has stood in solidarity with the tour, with PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh stating multiple times that those who lose their PGA Tour or DP World Tour memberships would be unable to compete at the PGA Championship or Ryder Cup.

Meanwhile, the USGA had been relatively quiet on the matter, issuing a statement last week to Golf Digest that it reserved the right “to review any competitor’s situation on a case-by-case basis” regarding possible action against LIV Golf associates. However, on Tuesday, the governing body said LIV Golf players can show up to the USGA’s flagship event at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass.

MORE: Tiger Woods decides not to play in the U.S. Open at Brookline

“We pride ourselves in being the most open championship in the world and the players who have earned the right to compete in this year’s championship, both via exemption and qualifying, will have the opportunity to do so,” read a statement. “Our field criteria were set prior to entries opening earlier this year and it’s not appropriate, nor fair to competitors, to change criteria once established.

“Regarding players who may choose to play in London this week, we simply asked ourselves this question—should a player who had earned his way into the 2022 U.S. Open, via our published field criteria, be pulled out of the field as a result of his decision to play in another event? And we ultimately decided that they should not.

“Our decision regarding our field for the 2022 U.S. Open should not be construed as the USGA supporting an alternative organizing entity, nor supportive of any individual player actions or comments. Rather, it is simply a response to whether or not the USGA views playing in an alternative event, without the consent of their home tour, an offense that should disqualify them for the U.S. Open.”

A number of LIV Golf players are eligible for next week’s event, including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace and Talor Gooch. In a statement announcing his return to golf with the LIV Golf series Monday, Mickelson said he still intends to play the majors, while Johnson said on Tuesday that he also plans to compete in the sport’s four biggest events.

The U.S. Open begins June 16. Jon Rahm is the defending champ.

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