Which will take effect in January 2028, to reduce the impact of the increase in distance on golf's long-term sustainability."

According to the revised ball test conditions, a ball that crosses a distance of 317 yards when hit at a club head speed of 125 miles per hour (201.17 kilometers), a launch angle of 11 degrees, and a spin of 2,200 rpm is a violation of the regulations. Previously, the standard was 120 miles per hour, a launch angle of 10 degrees, and 2,520 rpm.

If this happens, most golf balls currently favored by professional players, including title-list ProV1, Callaway Chrome Soft, TaylorMade TP5, Bridgestone Tour B, and Srixon Z-Star, will not be available from 2028.

The association predicted that the change would reduce the driver's driving distance of the longest hitters by 13 to 15 yards. It predicted that the average number of professional and elite male players would be reduced by 9 to 11 yards, and that of average LPGA and LET female players would be reduced by 5-7 yards.

The new rules apply to professional competitions first, and then to general amateur golfers from 2030. Existing balls that were approved for conformity in 2027 can be used until January 2030 to give golfers, manufacturers and retailers extra time to adjust.

"We are confident that this decision is one of the important ways to achieve a sustainable future for golf, protect the integrity of the game, and fulfill our environmental responsibilities," said Martin Slumbers, CEO of R&A.

Slumbers added, "The steps we are taking have been carefully reviewed and calibrated while maintaining the 'one game' ethos that is considered critical to the golf industry. It is also important to minimize the impact on recreational golfers. We are acting now because we want to make sure that future generations enjoy the unique challenge of golf as much as we do."

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