For the first time, the governing bodies of golf appear to be poised to allow for significant differences in rules between elite players and other golfers as a way to combat the distance gains the sport has seen with the advancement of technology.
Known as ‘bifurcation’, it would mean that the professional tours and elite amateur leagues could oblige competitors to use restricted equipment while allowing everyday players to get the benefits these technological advantages bring them.
The United States Golf Association and the R&A jointly announced on Tuesday that they are proposing changes to equipment standards, including a possible local rule for club and ball specifications. They also propose changes to club length.
A year ago, the USGA and R&A released their “Distance Insights Project,” in which they stated that the continued increase in height was “detrimental” to the game.
On Tuesday, they announced three proposed changes:
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A maximum driver length limit of 48 inches to 46 inches. US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau is one of the high-profile players to experiment with the longest-stemmed driver to get more distance from the tee.
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Changes in the way drivers are tested from a distance, which is known as the spring-like effect, and changes in the way golf balls are tested by revising the conditions.
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The maximum driver length will have an evaluation period of one month, while the other testing proposals will be evaluated in six months.
As part of the proposal, the governing bodies gave the example where a committee could limit the driver’s maximum height through a ‘local model rule’ and that the change is ‘only recommended for use in competitions limited to highly skilled players’. That means that recreational golfers still play by the rules, even if they use the longer clubs.
The professional tours, including the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA Tour, and the major championships, all play under USGA or R&A rules, depending on jurisdiction. The exceptions made at the highest levels – such as the “one-ball” rule used on the pro-tours – are all covered in the rulebook, usually under local regulations.
After years of discussion on the subject, the governing bodies now seem ready to address distance gain.
“The research … clearly shows that shot distances have grown steadily over time, and if left unchecked, could pose a threat to the long-term future of our game at any level and on every golf course it is played on, “said Mike Davis, USGA chief executive officer.” This is the first step forward in a journey and responsibility that the USGA and the R&A share with the global golf community to ensure that golf for the next hundred years and continues to thrive after that. ”
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of the R&A said: “The research topics and proposed changes we have announced will be the focus of our attention in the coming months, and we look forward to gaining insights from the golf industry and expanding their perspectives on fully understand this area, important areas, and we remain fully committed to conducting this hugely important exercise for the sport thoroughly, efficiently and collectively. ”