Acushnet Company, parent of the popular Titleist golf ball brand, has voiced its disapproval of proposed rule changes by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) and the U.S. Golf Association that would create two golf ball specifications – one for professionals and one for recreational players. The game’s governing bodies contend the proposed modifications, which would not take effect until Jan. 2026, will reduce hitting distances by 14 to 15 years on average for the longest hitters with the highest club speeds. They would, in essence, create the need for a reduced distance golf ball for professional and elite amateur competitions and a different set of rules for all other play.
But the proposed new rules would not affect the type of golf balls that recreational players can purchase. Nonetheless, the maker of the ProV1 golf ball contends they would divide the game between the elite and recreational players, add confusion, and break the linkage that is part of “the game’s enduring fabric.”
“Golf is an aspirational sport, and we believe at its very best when equipment and playing regulations are unified,” said David Maher, president and CEO of Acushnet. “Golf’s health and vibrancy are at historically high levels. As we see it, existing golf ball regulations for overall distance and initial velocity are highly effective.”
The sport’s governing bodies are accepting feedback on the proposals from manufacturers and others until Aug. 14. As it stands now, new proposed guidelines would require professional players to use a substantially shorter golf ball, similar in distance to what was available in the 1990s, Acushnet said.
“Playing by a unified set of rules is an essential part of the game’s allure, contributes to its global understanding and appeal, and eliminates the inconsistency and instability that would come from multiple sets of equipment standards,” Maher added.
