COURTNEY COOK ON UNSPLASH |
I n a long-anticipated move , the USGA and R & A announced in December a plan for a golf ball “ rollback ,” a change in the conformance testing process designed to limit hitting distances . The governing bodies will update the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard ( ODS ), which will take effect in January 2028 . The decision aims to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf ’ s long-term sustainability , while minimizing the impact on the recreational game .
The revised ball testing conditions will be as follows : 125-mph clubhead speed ( equivalent to 183 mph ball speed ); spin rate of 2200 rpm and launch angle of 11 degrees . The current conditions , which were established 20 years ago , are set at 120 mph ( equivalent to 176 mph ball speed ), 2520 rpm with a 10-degree launch angle .
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The revised conditions are based on analysis of data from the worldwide tours and the game over several years and are intended to ensure that the ODS ( whose limit will remain unchanged at 317 yards with a 3-yard tolerance ) continues to represent the ability of the game ’ s longest hitters . An analysis of ball speeds among golf ’ s longest hitters in 2023 shows that the fastest 10 players had an average ball speed of 186 mph , while the average ball speed of the fastest 25 was 183.4 mph — the fastest averaged 190 mph .
The longest hitters are expected to see a reduction of as much as 13-15 yards in drive distance . Average professional tour and elite male players are expected to see a reduction of 9-11 yards , with a 5-7-yard reduction for an average LPGA or Ladies European Tour ( LET ) player .
The change in testing speed is expected to have a minimal distance impact , 5
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The ball rollback will have have a minimal impact on the majority of recreational golfers .
yards or less , for most recreational golfers . Research shows an average swing speed of 93 mph for male golfers and 72 mph for female players .
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