Equipment
USGA and R&A announce areas of interest to mitigate distance increases
On Tuesday, the USGA and R&A announced their areas of interest for further exploration on the “Distance Debate.”
The governing bodies have unveiled three proposed changes to the equipment rules to ensure their effectiveness to distance limits—two to modernize equipment testing protocols and one to limit the maximum length for clubs other than putters from 48 to 46 inches.
Per the document, the three proposals are defined as:
- Proposal 1: Club length – reduction to 46 inches available as a Model Local Rule (MLR) (Original proposal delivered in 2016 and paused in 2017 due to the Distance Insights Project). Comment period ends on March 4, 2021.
- Proposal 2: Update on testing method for golf balls. Comment period ends on Aug. 2, 2021.
- Proposal 3: Change to testing tolerance – Characteristic Time. Comment period ends on Aug. 2, 2021.
Speaking on their research and proposals, Mike Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the USGA stated
“The research conducted through Distance Insights clearly shows that hitting distances have consistently increased through time and, if left unchecked, could threaten the long-term future of our game at every level and every golf course on which it is played. This is the first forward step in a journey and a responsibility the USGA and The R&A share with the worldwide golf community, to ensure that golf continues to thrive for the next hundred years and beyond.”
Beyond the immediate, the governing bodies will continue to examine the following, per the report, in a review period ending November 2.
- Reduction in the limit within the overall distance standard
- Modification in the limitation of ball efficiency (update to IV)
- Other ball specifications (size, mass)
- Reduction in the performance of drivers: club length and clubhead dimensions (including volume)
- Changes in the clubhead specifications on spring-like effect and moment of inertia, also
considering the utilization of radius of gyration limitations - Production of spin from all clubs from all areas of the course
The USGA and The R&A also today released their updated 2020 Annual Driving Distance Report, which was initially paused in February 2020 due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Per the organizations, the proposals detailed above “are the outcome of this regular review of equipment-testing processes, protocols and standards to ensure their effectiveness.”
Cameron Young’s WITB from his win at the 2025 Wyndham Championship. Cameron is a Titleist staff player but his bag is definitely filled with some unique clubs. Here are the clubs he used to secure his first PGA Tour win!
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K White 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus HB Black VeloCore+ 10 X
Irons: Titleist T200 (4), Titleist T100 (5), Titleist 631.CY Prototype (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F, 52-12F, 56-14F @57), WedgeWorks (60-K* @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold X7
Putter: Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Prototype
- Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Titleist GT3 (10 degrees, C2 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Project X Denali Blue 60 TX
3-wood: Titleist GT3 (15 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 7 X
7-wood: Titleist GT2 (21 degrees, D1 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
Irons: Titleist T150 (4, 5), Titleist T100 (6-9)
Shafts: True Temper AMT Tour White X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F, 56-08M @57, 60-04T @62)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Style Fastback 1.5 Tour Prototype
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x Yellow
We’re proud to once again partner with 2nd Swing Golf to bring you GolfWRX Members Choice 2025! 2nd Swing has more than 150,000 new and pre-swung golf clubs available in six store locations and online. Check them out here.
What is the best driver in 2025? At GolfWRX, we take great pride in our online community and the cumulative knowledge and experience of our members. When it comes to the best driver of 2025, we want to know what our forum faithful think.
Since our founding in 2005, the bedrock of GolfWRX.com has been the community of passionate and knowledgeable golfers in our forums, and we put endless trust in the opinions of our GolfWRX members — the most knowledgeable community of golfers on the internet. No other group of golfers in the world tests golf clubs as frequently or as extensively, nor is armed with such in-depth information about the latest technology.
Below are the results of GolfWRX member voting for the 2025 best driver, along with the vote percentage for each club.
Best driver of 2025: The top 5
5. Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond: 6.02%
Callaway’s pitch: “For golfers looking for a fast, forgiving, yet workable driver, the Elyte Triple Diamond features a tour-inspired shape and is the preferred model by most Callaway tour players.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond here.
4. Ping G440 Max: 6.86%
Ping’s pitch: “The most forgiving G440 model, MAX has a hotter face to generate speed and distance, and a lighter overall system weight with a longer shaft (46″) for faster clubhead speed, higher launch and longer carries. The Free Hosel and Carbonfly Wrap crown save weight to create our lowest CG ever and increase forgiveness while contributing to a more muted, pleasing sound.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 Max here.
3. Ping G440 LST: 9.53%
Ping’s pitch: “LST is an especially good fit for faster swings, offering less spin and more control with a penetrating trajectory. A hotter face, lighter overall system weight and longer shaft (46″) deliver more speed and distance while maintaining tight dispersion.”
@phizzy30: “Not a fan of Ping drivers in general, but 440 LST takes the cake. It’s super forgiving across the face for a low spin head, looks and sounds good and the ability to make it play neutral or slightly fade biased through the hosel settings is very appealing.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Ping G440 LST here.
2. Titleist GT3: 16.55%
Titleist’s pitch: “The GT3 Driver offers Titleist’s boldest combination of power and personalization through adjustable performance. Dial in the CG Track to your frequent contact location to make your biggest drives even bigger while taking total control over flight and shaping.”
@mrmikeac: “I’ve been Anti-Titleist for years and years and years (outside of Vokey, of course). With that being said, HOLY BEGEEZUS the GT3 driver is an absolute NUCLEAR MONSTER! This thing blew my G430 10K Max out of the water in every single category. Forgiveness is the biggest thing that stands out of me, the 3 model has always been one of the less forgiving models in the past but this GT3 can take bad shot after bad shot and still end up in the fairway, I think a ton of that has to do with the adjustability, it’s actually effective. Feel and sound is perfect, that solid crack is so addicting to hear and when you hit it out the screws this thing can absolutely bomb it. Titleist, I’m sorry for doubting you. You have converted me.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT3 here.
1. Titleist GT2: 22.91%
Titleist’s pitch: “Delivering impressive distance from any impact point, the Titleist GT2 Driver extracts maximum performance through a forgiving design. Get the stability and added confidence of a high-MOI driver without sacrificing speed.”
@DTorres: “The Titleist GT2 has proven to be the best driver of the year. Packaged in a classic profile, GT2 perfectly balances performance and forgiveness while consistently being a high performer across all categories.”
You can read what other golfers are saying about the driver in the GolfWRX forums, and see our launch piece here. Shop the Titleist GT2 here.
Other drivers receiving >2% of the vote
| Driver | Vote percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Cobra DS Adapt Max K | 4.85% |
| Ping G430 Max 10K | 3.85% |
| Callaway Elyte Triple Diamond | 3.68% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 | 3.51% |
| Callaway Elyte | 3.18% |
| Cobra DS Adapt X | 2.34% |
| Cobra DS Adapt LS | 2.17% |
| TaylorMade Qi35 LS | 2.17% |
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Peter Malnati WITB 2025 (August)
Peter Malnati what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. More photos from the event here. Driver: Titleist...
Cameron Young’s winning WITB: 2025 Wyndham Championship
Driver: Titleist GT2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting) Buy here. Shaft: Mitsubishi Tensei 1K Pro Orange 70 TX 3-wood: Titleist...
Camilo Villegas WITB 2025 (July)
Camilo Villegas WITB accurate as of the Wyndham Championship. Villegas was undecided on a 3-wood when we shot his bag. ...
WITB Time Machine: Brandt Snedeker’s winning WITB, 2018 Wyndham Championship
Brandt Snedeker fired a final-round 65 at the 2018 Wyndham Championship to outlast Webb Simpson and C.T. Pan. His 5-under...
Bob Jones
Feb 3, 2021 at 4:51 pm
The long hitters bomb it because is the ball ends up in the rough they can still get par and birdie isn’t out of the question. The solution is to line each side of the fairway from 310-350 yards not with thick rough, but with a 10-yard wide bed of pea gravel. If they figure out how to hit out of that, we can change it to 3/4 minus.
DS
Feb 3, 2021 at 8:57 am
I saw “areas of interest” and “further debate” and didn’t read a word of the actual column. Are these guys paid by the hour? A union shop? Jesus – get something done for chrissakes!
Jack Mamm
Feb 3, 2021 at 7:33 am
I’m not worried – nothing can stop the hammer POW
Daniel Whitehurst
Feb 3, 2021 at 3:51 am
The question isn’t in equipment, it’s in course settup. Slow down the fairways! Plus if you roll back the distance you just hurt the mid to shorter guys on tour. Laws of percentages. You roll back distance the shorter guys lose more distance than the long hitters. It’s a fact. The higher the speed the more yardage per mph. Some long drive guys are 20 yards between irons, old ladies hit half their clubs the same distance. They are trying to fix an unfixable non problem. The average drive on tour goes up 1 yard per year. I don’t see a problem. Everyone plays the same restricted equipment. Colin Morikawa is at the PGA average club head speed and won the PGA at Harding Park where there’s 3 drives you can hit straight and had dense rough. There you go. Get more creative with course settup and distance won’t matter.
Karsten's Ghost
Feb 3, 2021 at 3:08 am
If you look carefully at what is being suggested, it’s not world-ending stuff.
46″ max driver. OK? So what? Testing to make sure they are, indeed conforming with a tighter test? Yep. Same rule, better enforcement. Same with the ball; 317y @120mph. That’s the rule now, and all they’re changing is how it’s tested.
This doesn’t amount to much. Brooke Henderson will be angry if the LPGA uses it, but I doubt they will.
What needs to happen is that COMPRESSION of balls needs to be reduced to no more than 65-70ish.
Funkaholic
Feb 3, 2021 at 10:30 am
You are talking out of your backside
James
Feb 2, 2021 at 11:18 pm
It will be interesting to see the unintended consequences that ultimately hit consumers.
Jbone
Feb 2, 2021 at 3:53 pm
Ask yourself who benefits from these rule changes?
Golfer
Feb 2, 2021 at 2:57 pm
This is a terrible idea and will kill golf TV ratings
Chuck
Feb 2, 2021 at 5:27 pm
This is a point that I think Geoff Shackelford has rightly trounced.
Does anyone watching golf on television actually “see” how far a ball goes? Is a 287-yard drive visibly, demonstrably different for a tv viewer, than a 347-yard drive? No, Shackelford points out, and he is right.
The shots that we will remember forever from our tv viewing are approach shots; short game shots; putts. I can think of 25 iconic televised Tiger Woods shots, and not one of them is a long drive. If any of them are drives at all, they would be things like one of his 2-iron tee shots at Hoylake, or a stinger 3-wood on a narrow hole.
Tgm
Feb 2, 2021 at 6:49 pm
Chuck is spot on.
jake
Feb 2, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Absolutely love this. The game is nothing close to its roots anymore. Ams would probably find the game easier playing a shorter ball and a shorter set of tees. They will hit the ball shorter offline when they banana slice it.
Jbone
Feb 2, 2021 at 3:26 pm
It will never be enough of a rollback to satisfy these elite club members and usga execs. They hate what Bryson did and it’s inevitable that players are going to hit it too far for these old courses.
jake
Feb 2, 2021 at 6:52 pm
I am a public golfer, and golf historian thank you. Protect the game. who cares about your tv ratings. A bunch of fat white men in suits
Funkaholic
Feb 3, 2021 at 10:32 am
You are an idiot, without interest, the game dies. You are no “historian’ you are just a dinosaur.
Plan Demic
Feb 2, 2021 at 12:34 pm
Take out the manufacturer influence and its an easy solution. Wound balls, steel shafts, lower the max CC and/or head material for woods (persimmon), 56* max loft for wedges. But you cant sell equipment on Monday if its not the “same” as what won on Sunday.
Ryan
Feb 2, 2021 at 12:23 pm
I don’t understand why they do not look at course conditions for the pros.
Jon
Feb 2, 2021 at 12:55 pm
You’re spot on, Ryan. There’s absolutely no excuse for the fairways to stimp out at an 8 or 9.
John
Feb 5, 2021 at 12:42 am
Exactly.
The USGA and PGA Tour have quietly made course conditions easier over the years all the while complaining about distance gains. The reality is, they secretly want guys blasting 350 yard drives and shooting -30 under par. Its sort of like how MLB ignored steroids for years because fans were in love with all the home runs.
Want to prevent guys from over powering courses? Make fairways 10 yards wide after 300 yards with thick five inch rough… and not that graduated nonsense the USGA has been using at the US Open. That alone would prevent guys from ripping 350 yard bombs all over the world.
They won’t do that though because casual viewers don’t want to see the long hitters forced to lay up off the tee…
JasonHolmes
Feb 2, 2021 at 11:51 am
I read Mike Davis and I immediately think – GTFO.
Except for about ten guys in the world, golf is still hard for the rest of us and we have no interest in hitting it shorter.
Please get Mike Davis out of golf completely.
jake
Feb 2, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Move up a set of tees if ya cant reach JasonHolmes
James
Feb 2, 2021 at 11:15 am
Fine, go ahead and do all this. But where does the line get drawn in, say, two generations when people are back to carrying it 300 again?
Paulo
Feb 2, 2021 at 10:03 am
Maybe be more visible in testing for PED’s too ?
BJ
Feb 2, 2021 at 9:52 am
Going after Bryson it seems
Smarterthanthisguy
Feb 2, 2021 at 1:42 pm
More like protecting integrity of the game and historical golf courses. Bryson will still be the longest with whatever rules are in place. The advantage is still his. How do people not get that?
Chuck
Feb 2, 2021 at 2:58 pm
When the Joint Statement of Principles was drafted by the USGA and the R&A in 2002, Bryson DeChambeau was 9 years old.
Jbone
Feb 2, 2021 at 3:29 pm
They are trying to but this isn’t the way lol. Making the ball shorter makes distance even more of a premium. They don’t know what they’re doing.
jake
Feb 2, 2021 at 6:51 pm
it isnt about bryson at all jbone. But you’re right, his advantage will be magnified as an unintended consequence which is completely fine