Despite much opposition, the decision was ultimately made to limit golf ball performance.
The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), which oversee golf rules, announced that they will implement new golf ball regulations that will reduce distance performance starting in 2028. The new rules will first apply to professional competitions and then to ordinary amateur golfers from 2030.
Weekend golfers will not need to know the detailed performance regulations that require a swing speed of 125 miles per hour, a launch angle of 11 degrees, and a spin of 2,200 rpm to not exceed 317 yards.
What weekend golfers are curious about right now is how much the rule will affect their distance.
The rate at which the distance decreases will be greater for longer hitters. The best long hitters on the men's tour are expected to lose about 13 to 15 yards in distance. The average distance loss for PGA Tour players is estimated to be 9 to 11 yards. For female professional players, the distance is expected to decrease by an average of 5 to 7 yards, and for general amateur golfers, the distance is expected to decrease by 3 to 5 yards. It was predicted that female amateur golfers with short distances would have little distance loss effect.
The USGA click here and R&A say it should not affect irons or wedges other than drivers. But that doesn't mean there isn't a worst-case scenario. Some experts predict a nightmare scenario where every club and every shot will result in distance loss of 15 to 20 yards per hole.
Golf ball performance limitations target long shots. 강남노래방 Obviously, the longer the hitter, the greater the distance loss. However, no one can guarantee whether the new regulations will be more detrimental to long hitters. Rather, golf ball performance limitations may give long hitters wings rather than holding them back.
Once golf ball performance is limited, the number to aim for 2-on in a par 5 hole will also be reduced. Additionally, the number of people who can target the green with wedges will also decrease. The number of holes where you have to hold a wood when teeing off has been reduced, allowing you to take advantage of long shots. The status of long hitters can be further raised.
If there is anyone who is most nervous about this regulation, it would be Titleist, which has dominated the golf ball market. Under the new performance regulations, a reorganization of the ranks of golf ball manufacturers can occur. There may also be companies that specialize in producing only unofficial golf balls.
In fact, it may have little influence in the world of weekend golfers. This is because it is okay to continue using unofficial golf balls. There is no reason for weekend golfers, who have been using unofficial drivers, to refuse to use unofficial golf balls. Perhaps closer to 2028, weekend golfers may want to purchase the 'unofficial' Pro V1 in advance. This is because production of the ‘new’ unofficial Pro V1 will be discontinued.
One thing that is clear is that the tendency to divide the world of professional golfers and the world of weekend golfers will increase.