The planned rollback on the distances golfers can hit the golf ball looks set to be delayed by up to two years.
In a notice to manufacturers, the USGA and R&A have announced that they are considering revising the timeline for rolling back how far the golf ball is going for the strongest of hitters to 2030.
Originally, the rule that changes the test for golf balls to set back elite distances by 15 or more yards was scheduled to go into effect in 2028. That year, the ‘rollback’ balls would be the rule for elite competition, most likely the main professional tours. The phased approach would then apply that rule to all golfers beginning two years later in 2030.
However, the ‘Area of Interest’ notice to golf ball manufacturers, which was published on the USGA website on Friday – the full text of which can be read here – indicates that golf’s ruling bodies are considering comments to do away with that interim period, implementing the rollback rule for both elite golfers and average golfers starting in 2030 instead.
“The Governing Bodies adopted this phased approach in response to contributions made during the decision-making process,” the announcement reads. “The later implementation for the recreational game was intended to allow manufacturers more time to develop their full product lines, and to provide an opportunity for retailers and golfers to exhaust any existing stock.
“Since that announcement, The R&A and USGA have been progressing plans to support the implementation of this decision, including engaging with stakeholders on a range of issues. During this engagement, several stakeholders have expressed concerns over the potential challenges that could come from the two-phase approach to implementation. Based on this feedback, The R&A and USGA are interested in soliciting views on a possible change from the phased implementation to a single date across the whole game effective from January 2030.”
Comments about the Implementation Date for the Update to the Overall Distance Standard Test for Golf Balls have to be submitted to the USGA and R&A by February 15, 2026.
Under the USGA and R&A’s planned revised golf ball testing protocol new conforming golf balls will fly shorter distances, especially for faster-swinging players, with expected losses of 13-15 yards for elite professionals and 5 yards or less for most recreational golfers.