"Controversial Golf Ball Rollback Sparks Debate Amongst Players and Officials"
Golf's ruling bodies, the USGA and R&A, have announced changes to golf ball testing to address the consistent gains in distance off the tee, which they believe are detrimental to the game. The new testing standards, effective from 2028 for tour and elite golf and 2030 for recreational golfers, involve a club swung at 125 mph, a spin rate of 2,200 rpm, and a launch angle of 11 degrees. The changes are expected to result in the ball going up to 15 yards shorter for the longest hitters, with shorter distances for average tour pros, female tour players, and recreational golfers. The PGA Tour and PGA of America have expressed concerns about the proposed changes, while some players, like Keegan Bradley, have criticized the decision.