New era in 2028
Interest in whether intervention is appropriate given driving distances has sparked debate for years among golf fans and players alike. As technology progressed, clubs and balls evolved, pushing tee shots farther and reshaping the analytics behind the game. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, currently ranked among the world’s top players, broke the terrain distance record this year, surpassing an average of 298.37 meters and edging past the previous benchmark by a little over two meters. The sport has witnessed new benchmarks as champions like Bryson DeChambeau have gained notoriety for power, while legends such as Tiger Woods have continued to extend the reach of their drives. Comparisons show a notable improvement when looking at the 75th longest hitter today versus 1998, with a ball traveling about 28 meters farther on average.
In response to these shifts and additional data, golf governing bodies moved to adjust ball construction to curb travel while preserving the game’s core essence. The aim is to protect the integrity of the sport and its countless players, with debates running deeply through the industry that includes over 60 million practitioners globally.
New era in 2028
The new rule requires manufacturers to ensure that a ball struck with a swing at 125 miles per hour does not exceed 290 meters in distance. For a powerful professional such as McIlroy, this could mean a loss near 14 meters; for players with less power the impact would be about 8 to 10 meters. Amateur players will feel a smaller effect, typically around 2 to 5 meters. It is important to note that swing speed varies among players with the same handicap, so effects will differ.
Predicted outcomes included a concern about bifurcation where some balls would be designed for professionals and others for amateurs. Yet the policy applies universally, with the elite expected to adopt the changes in 2028 and the broader public by 2030.
The USGA and R&A supported the rule with a report indicating that putting distances have risen by nearly a meter per year on average over the past two decades. Some courses have already felt the impact. Augusta National, aiming to protect its hallmark, invested substantial funds to expand the course by acquiring land to extend the Azalea area around the famous par 5 13th hole. Not every course countrywide possesses the means to undertake similar expansions.
Various blows
The sustainability argument sits alongside concerns about the game’s quality. Critics say golf has become less of a test of skill as a big headed club and max distance can shrink the challenge of reaching the greens with a variety of precise shots. Officials hope these changes will encourage longer irons and more diverse play on mature greens.
Unsurprisingly, the policy sparked protests among players who feel targeted. Bryson DeChambeau, for instance, called the move the cruelest thing for the sport. He argued that the goal should be to preserve creativity and distance rather than simply rolling back equipment. He emphasized that players and fans enjoy witnessing how far athletes can push the game.
Rory McIlroy offered a different view, arguing against the backlash. He stated on social media that the adjustment would not harm the average golfer, would restore sustainability, and would not dramatically alter handicaps or enjoyment for most players. He suggested that a modest loss of five to ten yards would be offset by a renewed emphasis on skill and strategy.
The decision stems from a broader study, the Distance Insights Project, launched in 2018. The project compiled data, drew input from golf course owners, players, and a range of stakeholders across all facets of the sport. While some manufacturers pushed back, others see opportunities to align with a changing market and to protect the game’s longevity. This ongoing research continues to inform the direction of equipment and course design in North America and beyond.