Golf’s governing bodies have today taken the next step in addressing concerns over distance limits within the sport.

The R&A and USGA issued a joint statement about specific “areas of interest” to help mitigate continuing distance increases. They also proposed thre changes to the equipment rules to ensure their effectiveness in relation to distance limits.

The delivery of research topics related to hitting distances and golf’s sustainability was delayed in 2020 to allow the golf industry to focus on the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The “areas of interest” notice, sent yesterday to golf equipment manufacturers, follows the conclusions of the Distance Insights Report delivered last February.

It is the first step of the established equipment rule-making procedures, which give the opportunity for golf’s stakeholders to provide research and perspectives on topics that might lead to equipment rules changes.

Of the three proposals related to equipment standards, two are to modernise equipment testing protocols and the other to consider the adoption of a “model local rule” that would provide flexibility for committees, if they so choose, to limit the maximum length for clubs – other than putters – from 48 to 46 inches.

Notice and comment periods have begun immediately to invite feedback on each of the three proposals from golf industry stakeholders.

Click HERE to read the full release from the R&A.