R&A and USGA propose stricter equipment rules for pro golf

The R&A and USGA have introduced proposals to implement stricter equipment rules specifically for elite-level professional golfers to address the issue of excessive driving distance. These proposals focus on three key areas: golf balls, driver faces, and club length.

Regarding golf balls, the authorities propose removing the current three-yard tolerance in the Overall Distance Standard, which would strictly enforce the 317-yard limit. For driver faces, the proposal seeks to eliminate the 18-microsecond tolerance currently allowed in Characteristic Time (CT) testing, which would make the 239-microsecond limit more rigid. Additionally, the governing bodies are considering further reducing the maximum allowable club length for non-putters.

These measures follow requests from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to explore Model Local Rules that could mitigate distance. If approved, these changes would target professional play, while the global golf-ball rollback for general players remains on a separate timeline for 2030. Equipment manufacturers have until October 21, 2026, to respond to these proposals.