jerryskids 6,578 Posted December 7, 2023 Quote USGA, R&A formally announce rollback of golf ball for all players, starting in 2028 Golf balls will travel shorter distances starting in 2028 for pros and 2030 for amateurs. The USGA and the R&A, golf's governing bodies, have formally announced a plan to roll back the distance that golf balls now travel, starting in 2028. The "rollback" decision is the result of years of analysis and study, and, according to the two authorities, is designed to combat gains in distances that threaten the sport's long-term viability. "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," the USGA said in a statement. Pros will have to use conforming balls beginning in January 2028, while amateurs will have until 2030 to begin using the newly manufactured, conforming balls. (For a more complete breakdown of the rollback situation, including how it will affect recreational players, go here.) While pros, particularly long-hitting pros, will see a substantial decrease in their overall yardage off the tee, the USGA contends that the effect on recreational golfers will be minimal. The average male golfer will lose 3 to 5 yards off the tee, while the average female golfer will lose 1 to 3 yards. “Governance is hard. And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn’t do enough to protect the game long-term,” Mike Whan, USGA CEO, said in a statement announcing the change. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. As we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option — and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the game’s future if we didn’t take appropriate action now.” Many pros disagree with the USGA and R&A's decision, whether out of concern for recreational golfers or out of a desire to maintain their own length off the tee. "I think that the USGA … everything that they do is reactionary," Keegan Bradley said at a tournament last weekend. "They don't think of a solution. They just think we're going to affect a hundred percent of the population that plays golf. For the amateur world to hit the ball shorter is monstrous. I can't think of anything more stupid than that. I don't think it's very smart at all, especially when golf's growing in popularity literally coming out of COVID." However, the USGA and R&A noted in their release that ball flight isn't the only factor in long distances, and noted that they will continue to test drivers to ensure they do not fall prey to "Driver Creep" — the continuing speed and distance growth of drivers that may end up exceeding limits set out in the organizations' equipment rules. The organizations rejected the idea of "bifurcation" — that is, different equipment standards for pros and amateurs — noting that input from stakeholders over the course of a six-year review process found that there was "worldwide sentiment that the retention of a single set of playing rules and equipment standards is critically important to the sport and should apply across the game. Feedback from manufacturers resulted in the timeline being extended to 2028 to allow more time for innovation and production of new products for elite and recreational players." The USGA and R&A developed the standard for new golf balls by increasing the swing speed necessary to drive a ball 317 yards, from 120 to 125 mph. Put another way, a new ball struck with any given speed will travel shorter than an old ball hit at the same speed. This is the first time that test swing speeds have been updated since 2004. https://sports.yahoo.com/usga-ra-formally-announce-rollback-of-golf-ball-for-all-players-starting-in-2028-162143448.html?.tsrc=1317 I wonder if all of the major ball manufacturers will completely comply. What is to stop them from selling some longer balls to Joe Duffer who just wants to hit the ball farther on his weekend round with drinking buddies? Not to mention the resale market when people stockpile balls. Seems like a nightmare on multiple fronts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 7, 2023 Guess I’ll only be splitting fairways at 280 now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,203 Posted December 7, 2023 WHY? If I were to design golf balls (or clubs), my goal would be to have them fly as far as possible, further than the sh*tty rival brand over there, and/or it comes with a homing device. Instead we get, "Hey, I have an idea that nobody wants and that'll really piss off golfers worldwide. Let's do it!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RaiderHaters Revenge 4,243 Posted December 7, 2023 Global warming? tldr Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 7, 2023 1 minute ago, Voltaire said: WHY? If I were to design golf balls (or clubs), my goal would be to have them fly as far as possible, further than the sh*tty rival brand over there, and/or it comes with a homing device. Instead we get, "Hey, I have an idea that nobody wants and that'll really piss off golfers worldwide. Let's do it!" My understanding is to protect courses from pros. No clue why they are making weekend duffers suffer I don’t see why say Titleist won’t have two brands. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 6,578 Posted December 7, 2023 I hit my driver 225 max, closer to 200 average. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,203 Posted December 7, 2023 “Governance is hard. And while thousands will claim that we did too much, there will be just as many who said we didn’t do enough to protect the game long-term,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “But from the very beginning, we’ve been driven to do what is right for the game, without bias. As we’ve said, doing nothing is not an option – and we would be failing in our responsibility to protect the game’s future if we didn’t take appropriate action now.” Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are convinced that this decision is one of the key ways of achieving a sustainable future for golf, protecting the integrity of the game and meeting our environmental responsibilities. The measure we are taking has been carefully considered and calibrated while maintaining the ‘one game’ ethos deemed to be so important to the golf industry. Importantly, it also keeps the impact on recreational golfers to an absolute minimum. We are acting now because we want to ensure that future generations can enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do.” -------- How the fock are you "protecting the game?" Protecting it from what? happier golfers? I'm missing the part on why/how crappier balls "achieve a sustainable future and protect the integrity of game." Lets go over that part, Mike and Martin. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 7, 2023 2 minutes ago, edjr said: I hit my driver 225 max, closer to 200 average. I guess the “good” news is even if this happens and there are no changes at the typical player’s swing speed you will only lose a few yards. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,203 Posted December 7, 2023 Quote The R&A and the USGA are guided by an overarching principle to continue to preserve the fundamental elements of golf – protecting the integrity of golf courses, including their overall length, and ensuring that a variety of skills are needed to be successful. Longer golf courses require additional resources such as water, the cost of renovating or moving elements like tees and bunkers continues to rise and other long-term impacts have been identified as a result of increased distance. The governing bodies believe that if the sport is to enjoy a sustainable long-term future then these economic and environmental impacts have to be kept under control. Can somebody translate what these idiots came up with into English please? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 7, 2023 8 minutes ago, Voltaire said: Can somebody translate what these idiots came up with into English please? If Pros can hit the ball 330 regularly it messes up scores and how courses are “supposed to be played” at places like Augusta. They contend they can’t just make courses longer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Voltaire 5,203 Posted December 7, 2023 16 minutes ago, thegeneral said: If Pros can hit the ball 330 regularly it messes up scores and how courses are “supposed to be played” at places like Augusta. They contend they can’t just make courses longer. "Take your eagle and smile. God Bless You," works fine for me. I don't care if forty years ago, Arnold Palmer could only ever birdie that hole. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supermike80 1,812 Posted December 7, 2023 Meh...Im 56 now..in 2030 Ill be 63. Distance won't be that big of a deal Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 4,145 Posted December 7, 2023 10 minutes ago, supermike80 said: Meh...Im 56 now..in 2030 Ill be 63. Distance won't be that big of a deal I just go to drink beer..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 7, 2023 1 minute ago, RLLD said: I just go to drink beer..... You can do both Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RLLD 4,145 Posted December 7, 2023 1 minute ago, thegeneral said: You can do both I can only do one well, at a time.... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tree of Knowledge 1,715 Posted December 7, 2023 Time to start hoarding golf balls. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 873 Posted December 7, 2023 Good. Hitting my pitching wedge 185 gets boring after a while. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 6,578 Posted December 7, 2023 2 minutes ago, BiffTannen said: Good. Hitting my pitching wedge 185 gets boring after a while. try not to skull it 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jerryskids 6,578 Posted December 7, 2023 36 minutes ago, edjr said: try not to skull it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
posty 2,613 Posted December 7, 2023 Biden mess up the gravity of the planet? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
listen2me 23 1,831 Posted December 7, 2023 1 hour ago, edjr said: try not to skull it Winnah! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alias Detective 1,389 Posted December 7, 2023 5 hours ago, Voltaire said: WHY? If I were to design golf balls (or clubs), my goal would be to have them fly as far as possible, further than the sh*tty rival brand over there, and/or it comes with a homing device. Instead we get, "Hey, I have an idea that nobody wants and that'll really piss off golfers worldwide. Let's do it!" If someone invented a ball that floated in the air and through radar always landed in the cup would be your idea of fun. Not me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmh6476 1,010 Posted December 7, 2023 this will really pi$$ me off, the 4 or 5 times I play each year. I guess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BufordT 428 Posted December 7, 2023 I like it. I heard some guy on the radio say this roll back thing will do a better job of separating the great players from the good players from the average players. Hitting the pure shots will become important again. As far as how it affects the once a week player, I'm pretty sure you won't know the difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Reality 3,104 Posted December 7, 2023 Well, when do I get to move to the senior tees? I'll be 50 in a few years... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonnyutah 251 Posted December 7, 2023 7 hours ago, Voltaire said: WHY? If I were to design golf balls (or clubs), my goal would be to have them fly as far as possible, further than the sh*tty rival brand over there, and/or it comes with a homing device. Instead we get, "Hey, I have an idea that nobody wants and that'll really piss off golfers worldwide. Let's do it!" Golf ball manufacturers have been restricting golf balls for years to comply. You could always buy "hot" golf balls and will still be able to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 873 Posted December 7, 2023 In the spring Titleist always runs a deal- buy 3 boxes get one free. The next few years I will buy 9 and get 3 free. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonnyutah 251 Posted December 7, 2023 7 hours ago, Voltaire said: Can somebody translate what these idiots came up with into English please? They decided that bomb and gouge is kinda lame and that the ever increasing area required for golf courses is unsustainable. Especially in areas like the southwest where water permits and leases are already a problem. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 873 Posted December 7, 2023 Bring back the balata!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tubby_mcgee 700 Posted December 8, 2023 They aren't changing the balls or clubs. They are just telling folks "don't hit it so hard" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteWonder 2,681 Posted December 8, 2023 Just have everyone play @edjr ‘s tee shot. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteWonder 2,681 Posted December 8, 2023 7 hours ago, BiffTannen said: In the spring Titleist always runs a deal- buy 3 boxes get one free. The next few years I will buy 9 and get 3 free. What will you do for golf balls by July? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WhiteWonder 2,681 Posted December 8, 2023 14 hours ago, thegeneral said: If Pros can hit the ball 330 regularly it messes up scores and how courses are “supposed to be played” at places like Augusta. They contend they can’t just make courses longer. 14 hours ago, Voltaire said: "Take your eagle and smile. God Bless You," works fine for me. I don't care if forty years ago, Arnold Palmer could only ever birdie that hole. Unfortunately they should have maxed the ball years ago instead of now “rolling it back”. People don’t get upset at things stay the same (if they are fun) but no one wants to take away. But now they have reached a point where pros hit silly long drives. Tiger woods was hitting 340 at the Hero and he’s a gimp who has barely played. I suspect the next target will need to be golf shafts. Or more so that shaft manufacturers will find a way to tinker and tweak and add that 5 mph to swing speed since the claim is that it will take an extra 5 mph to drive the ball the same distance as now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edjr 6,578 Posted December 8, 2023 6 hours ago, WhiteWonder said: Just have everyone play @edjr ‘s tee shot. I am the best scramble partner! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
supermike80 1,812 Posted December 8, 2023 13 hours ago, BiffTannen said: Bring back the balata!! LOVED balata balls...but if you skull them, like BiffTannen, they would cut immediately. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Honcho 5,122 Posted December 8, 2023 This will have no effect on my game at all. The only change they could make that might help me is if they made the golf balls the size of a beach ball, then maybe I could hit it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GobbleDog 985 Posted December 8, 2023 I golf once year - tomorrow is that day. Lots of questions to be answered. Will I beat my all time record? 120 Will I hit houses and then pretend it wasn't me? Can I get the beer cart slut to show me which color panties she's wearing? All will be revealed tomorrow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BiffTannen 873 Posted December 8, 2023 1 minute ago, GobbleDog said: I golf once year - tomorrow is that day. Lots of questions to be answered. Will I beat my all time record? 120 Will I hit houses and then pretend it wasn't me? Can I get the beer cart slut to show me which color panties she's wearing? All will be revealed tomorrow. We don’t care what you shoot or how many windows you break. The panties are need to know info, so please update tomorrow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thegeneral 2,948 Posted December 8, 2023 13 minutes ago, GobbleDog said: I golf once year - tomorrow is that day. Lots of questions to be answered. Will I beat my all time record? 120 Will I hit houses and then pretend it wasn't me? Can I get the beer cart slut to show me which color panties she's wearing? All will be revealed tomorrow. This might actually help. The ball won’t travel as far OB! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites