“Similar to what was available in the 1990s” - Titleist warns R&A over its plan to curtail golfers' hitting distances 

The R&A and US Golf Association have come out with proposals to curtail the extreme lengths the modern pros are hitting golf balls. Amid discussions, predominant golf ball maker Titleist has now warned against the move.

Hitting back at the proposals, the American golf product makers claimed that the move to curtail hitting distances would set the game back by decades.

Titleist commands approximately 50 per cent of the entire market and seems least interested in the R&A and US Golf Association’s plans. The company that provides balls to almost three-quarters of the players on the PGA Tour didn’t hold back in their statement as well.

Expressing their stance on the matter, Titleist noted that the move was “a solution in search of a problem.” The company said in a statement:

“Under the proposed guidelines, events that adopt this MLR would require players to use a substantially shorter golf ball, similar in distance to what was available in the 1990s.”

It added:

“The performance changes of any rolled-back ball would impact every shot in the round. Players would also be required to adapt to changes in equipment with some players disadvantaged over others by this disruption.

“Golf ball bifurcation would invite confusion as to what level of competition would use MLR products and how to effectively manage and officiate.

“This bifurcation would divide golf between elite and recreational play, add confusion, and break the linkage that is part of the game’s enduring fabric.”

It is pertinent to note that the R&A and US Golf Association’s proposal to change the ball rule was released earlier this week.

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R&A and USGA proposes change to curtail golfers' hitting distances

Telegraph Sport on Monday revealed that, after years of study, reports and consultation, the governing bodies were finally resolving “the distance issue.”

The report claimed that the officials were eyeing plans to introduce a regulation that will allow Tours and individual tournaments to employ a “rolled back” ball for pros. This would significantly cut down the distance with controlled swing.

Despite backlash from Titleist, the officials seemed confident with the move. Speaking about the proposed change, Mike Whan, the USGA chief executive, said that the change was necessary to "break the ever-increasing cycle of hitting distance." He believes this has led to courses being continually lengthened.

Whan said in a press release via TSN:

“Hitting distances at the elite level of the game have consistently increased over the past 20, 40, and 60 years. It’s been two decades since we last revisited out testing standards for ball distances.”

He continued:

“Predictable, continued increase will become a significant issue for the next generation if not addressed soon. The MLR we are proposing is simple to implement, forward-looking and does so without any impact on the recreational game.

“We are taking the next steps in this process, guided first and foremost by doing what’s right for the entire game.”

According to the report, a six-month period of consultation will be held to ensure a smooth transition for the proposed change. The ball change rule is set to be implemented from Jan 1, 2026.

While the golf world is divided by the move, the PGA Tour was rather coy in its response. Its statement noted that it “remains committed to ensuring that any true solutions identified benefit the game as a whole.”