Augusta National chairman supports golf ball distance regulation

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley reiterated his support of the efforts of golf’s governing bodies to regulate the distance elite players are hitting the golf ball. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the eve of the 90th Masters , Ridley said, “My feeling on this subject is failure's not an option.

I think we need to continue to work together to come to some agreement. ” More: Masters leaderboard, scores, pairings, stories, video The USGA and R&A announced in late March that it is proposing that the rule, which was formalized in late 2023, not go into effect until 2030. The rule involves the Overall Distance Standard test and would raise the test speed from the current 120 mph to 125.

The original plan involved a staggered start that would only affect elite golf in 2028 before applying to all golfers in 2030. The governing bodies announced in January that they were seeking input on whether the rollback would be better if it were set at a single date, which would be Jan. 1, 2030.

The deadline for submitting comments to the proposed date change is April 16. “Recognizing that the implementation of the Overall Distance Standard test for golf balls may be delayed to 2030, I want to reemphasize that support and affirm our position as the USGA and R&A represent their collective obligation as custodians of the game,” Ridley said in his opening remarks. “I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course.