Golf industry debates proposed changes to limit ball distance.
The USGA and R&A have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) option for “elite competitions” that would test golf balls for conformance to the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) limit of 317 yards at modified Actual Launch Conditions (ALC). The new local golf ball rule would be “available for implementation on 1 January 2026 (at the earliest).” The USGA and R&A are proposing bifurcation in relation to the golf ball, with professionals playing with a golf ball that flies shorter under the new testing requirements, whereas amateurs would use a golf ball with less restraints.