The much-anticipated golf ball return rule was made public by the USGA and the R&A in a joint statement on December 6. The message not only lists the new technical details, but it also talks about what they mean for players.
The golf rollback rule basically says that the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) will stay at 317 yards, with a 3-yard range. However, balls must be tested with a clubhead speed of 125 mph, a spin rate of 2200 rpm, and an 11-degree launch angle.
Five things you should know about changes to the ball return rule
Of course, every player wants to know what the new rules about rolling back the ball mean in a broad sense and, more importantly, what they mean for them personally.
Five things about golf that every player should know:
#1: It won’t have any affect right away
The rule about rolling back the ball won’t start to work right away or for a while. In a joint statement, the USGA and the R&A said that the new rule would start in January 2028.
As an added bonus, it says that recreational players can keep using the balls that are currently allowed until January 2030. This is done so that everyone involved has enough time to get ready for the new situation.
#2: No split, but it looks like there is one
The governing groups did not pick the so-called “bifurcation” situation as the one in which the ball rollback rule would be used. This means that the measure will be the same for all groups.
However, this “equality” might be clear. According to calculations given by the USGA and the R&A, the average professional’s drives will lose between 9 and 11 yards of range, while the average professional’s drives will lose 13 to 15 yards of range.
Based on the same figures, a typical female golfer on the Ladies European Tour or the LPGA Tour will lose 5 to 7 yards of range. Recreational players, on the other hand, will lose no more than 5 yards.
To put it another way, the new rule might make it easier for players to beat each other in the long game.
3. The rule doesn’t mean changing all the balls that are being used right now
They think that at least 30% of the ball models that are “submitted for conformance” around the world will be able to meet the new rule’s standards. To put it another way, a lot of casual players will probably be able to keep using the gear they already have.
#4: The range of golf balls has been limited four times now
The overall distance standard in world golf is what the ball return rule is meant to work for. This group was created in 1976 and has been changed three times since then, in 1980, 2002, and 2004.
The present rule sets an ODS of 317 yards, with a 3-yard range. Balls are tested at 120 mph clubhead speed, 2520 rpm spin rate, and 10 degrees launch angle.
#5: The new rule is just the start
The USGA and the R&A made it clear in their joint statement that the new rule is not the end of the work to cut down on golf course lengths. The document says that work will also be done to keep an eye on drivers who are already cleared.
