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Morning 9: Distance Insights Report Edition: What you need to know, key responses & reading between the lines

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6 years ago

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By Ben Alberstadt
Email me at ben.alberstadt@golfwrx.com and find me at @benalberstadt on Instagram and golfwrxEIC on Twitter.
February 5, 2020
Good Wednesday morning, golf fans.
Welcome to the Distance Insights Report Edition of the M9. By now, you know well the USGA and R&A yesterday released the long-awaited joint study. What does it say? Well, let’s have a look at the headlines…Golf Digest: “USGA/R&A declares distance increases must stop in findings from Distance Insights Project”…Forbes: Cycle Of Distance Increases Is ‘Undesirable And Detrimental To Golf’s Long-Term Future,’ Project Finds…SkySports: R&A and USGA to address ‘detrimental’ increases in distance…
1. Distance Insights Report
I’m going to present half of our Gianni Magliocco’s item on the report, because, well, I can.
“On Tuesday, golf’s governing bodies released the “Distance Insights Report” in which the two ruling authorities found the “continuing cycle” of the “100-year trend of hitting distance increases in golf” is “detrimental to the game’s long-term future.”
“The Distance Insights Report is a 102-page document, which includes data and information from 56 different projects that was co-released by the USGA and R&A and which hints at potential significant changes in the equipment rules over the coming years following a “broad review of both clubs and balls.”
“In a key findings statement released by the USGA and R&A, the organization revealed that “after extensive stakeholder research, the report features more than 100 years of data, informed by a library of 56 supporting documents.”
“Here were the key findings of the report per the USGA and R&A”
  • There is a 100-year trend of hitting distance increases in golf, as well as a corresponding increase in the length of golf courses, across the game globally The USGA and The R&A believe this continuing cycle is detrimental to the game’s long-term future.
  • The inherent strategic challenge presented by many golf courses can be compromised, especially when those courses have not or cannot become long enough to keep up with increases in the hitting distances of the golfers who play from their longest tees. This can lead to a risk of many courses becoming less challenging, or obsolete
  • Increased hitting distance can begin to undermine the core principle that the challenge of golf is about needing to demonstrate a broad range of skills to be successful.
  • If courses continue to lengthen, it is at odds with growing societal concerns about the use of water, chemicals and other resources
  • Longer distances and courses, longer tees and longer times to play are taking golf in the wrong direction and are not necessary for a challenging, enjoyable and sustainable game.

“The USGA and R&A have also stated that with these findings “a broad review of both clubs and balls will be conducted to understand and assess a full range of options for addressing these issues relating to hitting distance.”

 

2. Pondering bifurcation? 
ESPN’s Bob Harig…”For the first time, golf’s governing bodies will study the possibility of letting golfers play by different rules as they relate to equipment in order to potentially reduce hitting distances.”
  • “Known as “bifurcation,” the United States Golf Association and the R&A announced Tuesday their results of a long-awaited distance study in which they surmised that the “continuing cycle of increases” in the distance a golf ball travels and the lengthening of courses is “undesirable and detrimental to golf’s long-term future.”
  • “The organizations said they will assess the potential use of a local rule that would specify use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distances; for example, a ball that does not travel as far or equipment that cannot hit the ball as far.”
3. What’s next… (and shots fired?)
Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch…”The next steps that are broadly outlined in the report are in keeping with golf’s fondness for deliberate, ruminative processes, and at odds with the modern thirst for flip-switch change. There’ll be a year or so of more research with invitations for input extended to stakeholders, not least equipment manufacturers. Hence this effort at reassuring that hostile constituency: “It is not currently intended to consider revising the overall specifications in a way that would produce substantial reductions in hitting distances at all levels of the game.””
“The distance report is awash with the noble language of consensus building, but make no mistake – the USGA and R&A have fired the first shot in a war for the future of golf. It is both overdue and necessary.”
4. Shackelford’s take
We have to check in with arguably the most persistent USGA watcher (and oftentimes critic)…
  • He writes…”Here is my summary of the Distance Insights Study “conclusions”: the report features the strongest language in the sport’s history regarding the state of affairs as the governing bodies see distance. While not an all-out admission of regulatory malfeasance, the report opens the door for bifurcation of the rules via a local rule that would open the door to different equipment. While that idea is not the least bit original, it has been resisted by the organizations until now.”
  • “The report also delivers lines about distance such as how it must be “brought to an end” and how the governing bodies intend to “break the cycle”.  There is even an early reading of 2002’s Joint Statement of Principles” to confirm that the line has been crossed as suggested in that document. There is a sound synopsis put forward explaining why the sport has been harmed in recent years by a distance pursuit and why a continued effort will do no one any good.”
5. LPGA’s response
Golfweek’s Todd Kelly…”The LPGA responded to Tuesday’s release by the USGA and R&A of the Distance Insights Project report.”
  • “The LPGA stated that it does not see “distance as a hindrance towards the growth of the LPGA Tour or to the courses on which we can compete.”
  • “But the statement went on to say that “the data shows there are some aspects of increased distance which are making the game more expensive and more difficult for recreational players. … we see opportunity in exploring ways to remove some of the longtime barriers of the game such as cost, limited teeing ground options, length of courses, time to play, etc.”
6. PGA Tour reaction
Per Golf Channel…”PGA Tour: “Since 2003, we have been working closely with the USGA and the R&A to closely monitor distance, and this latest report is an expanded and thorough review of the topic, and others, which are all important to the game. The R&A and the USGA are our partners, and the PGA Tour will continue to collaborate with them, along with all of our other industry partners, on the next steps in this process. We believe the game is best served when all are working in a unified way, and we intend to continue to approach this issue in that manner. The PGA Tour is committed to ensuring any future solutions identified benefit the game as a whole without negatively impacting the Tour, its players or our fans’ enjoyment of our sport.”
7. Mell: OEMs “on notice”
Interesting points from Golf Channel’s Randall Mell…”If you’re Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade or another equipment manufacturer, the USGA and R&A’s release of their Distance Insights Project today triggers a warning system.”
  • “No, golf’s caretakers did not propose any restraints on balls, clubs or any of the other toys that help create distance in the game, but the project’s findings promise to heighten manufacturer readiness for incoming threats.”
  • And further…”The USGA and R&A are finally declaring war on unrelenting distance gains.
  • Of course, they don’t put it in those indelicate terms, but make no mistake, there’s a battle brewing as they seek to find a peaceful resolution to what manufacturers won’t even concede is a problem.”
8. Chamblee’s solutions
Adam Woodard at Golfweek quoting Chamblee’s Golf Channel remarks…”Brandel Chamblee has a few ideas on possible solutions, and he shared them during Golf Channel’s two-hour special edition of Golf Central Tuesday evening.”
  • “As I read (the report), I found myself agreeing with some of the issues from a sustainability standpoint as the game continues to grow,” said Chamblee. “But I found myself differing in a lot of aspects of the report. Namely, I feel like the game is out of whack at the professional level in one way, and I think we do agree about this, the inability to play the game with great accuracy, what I would define as being outside the top 100 in driving accuracy and to be rewarded is out of whack.”
  • “The golf ball can easily be constricted by raising the fairway heights, growing the rough and firming up the greens,” he explained.

Full piece.

9. Breaking down what the PGL proposes
“The format…The tour would be composed of 48 players competing in 18 tournaments from January through September, with 10 events staged in the United States and the other eight around the world. The events would be 54 holes with no cut and shotgun starts over the first two days to better showcase all the players during a television window.”
  • “The team concept…Modeled in part after Formula 1 racing, there would be 12 teams of four players each, with a season-long competition that culminates in a season-ending event for players and teams. How it would be structured is unclear, but in theory, players or other entities could own teams. The big questions: How would players feed into this tour? Into the various teams? What if a player is injured?”
  • “The prize money…So far, the Premier Golf League is talking about $240 million, with a $10 million weekly purse for 17 events with a season-ending event. There would be $2 million paid to the winner, and a $10 million bonus to the overall individual champion. In addition, there would be a $40 million team bonus pool.”

Related Topics:

Ben Alberstadt is the Editor-in-Chief at GolfWRX, where he’s led editorial direction and gear coverage since 2018. He first joined the site as a freelance writer in 2012 after years spent working in pro shops and bag rooms at both public and private golf courses, experiences that laid the foundation for his deep knowledge of equipment and all facets of this maddening game. Based in Philadelphia, Ben’s byline has also appeared on PGATour.com, Bleacher Report...and across numerous PGA DFS and fantasy golf platforms. Off the course, Ben is a committed cat rescuer and, of course, a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. Follow him on Instagram @benalberstadt.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. dj

    Feb 5, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Quote”8. Chamblee’s solutions
    Adam Woodard at Golfweek quoting Chamblee’s Golf Channel remarks…”Brandel Chamblee has a few ideas on possible solutions, and he shared them during Golf Channel’s two-hour special edition of Golf Central Tuesday evening.”
    “As I read (the report), I found myself agreeing with some of the issues from a sustainability standpoint as the game continues to grow,” said Chamblee. “But I found myself differing in a lot of aspects of the report. Namely, I feel like the game is out of whack at the professional level in one way, and I think we do agree about this, the inability to play the game with great accuracy, what I would define as being outside the top 100 in driving accuracy and to be rewarded is out of whack.”
    “The golf ball can easily be constricted by raising the fairway heights, growing the rough and firming up the greens,” he explained.”

    This makes the most sense.

    Reply Report comment

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News

Tour Rundown: Bend, but don’t break

Published

3 weeks ago

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Aug 4, 2025

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I’m going to gush in this intro paragraph, to get the emo stuff done early. I’ve not pulled harder for a professional to win, than Cameron Young. I coach golf in New York state, and each spring, my best golfers head to a state championship in Poughkeepsie. I first saw Cameron there as a 9th grade student. I saw him three more times after that. I reconnecected with Coach Haas from Wake Forest, an old interview subject from my days on the Old Gold and Black, the Wake newspaper. He was there to watch Cameron. After four years at Wake Forest, Young won on the Korn Ferry Tour, made it to the big tour, almost won two majors, almost won five other events, and finally got the chalice about 25 minutes from the Wake campus. Congratulations, Cameron. You truly are a glass of the finest. #MotherSoDear

OK, let’s move on to the Tour Rundown. The major championship season closed this week in Wales, with the Women’s Open championship. The PGA Tour bounced through Greensboror, N.C., while the PGA Tour Americas hit TO (aka, Toronto) for a long-winded event. The Korn Ferry lads made a stop in Utah, one of just two events for that tour in August. The many-events, golf season is winding down, as we ease from summer toward fall in the northern hemisphere. Let’s bask in the glory of an August sunrise, and run down a quartet of events from the first weekend of the eighth month.

LET/LPGA @ Women’s Open: Miyu bends, but she doesn’t break

Royal Porthcawl was not a known commodity in the major tournament community. The Welsh links had served as host to men’s senior opens, men’s amateurs, and Curtis and Walker Cups in prior years, but never an Open championship for the women or the men. The last-kept secret in UK golf was revealed once again to the world this week, as the best female golfers took to the sandy stage.

Mao Saigo, Grace Kim, Maja Stark, and Minjee Lee hoped to add a second major title to previous wins this season, but only Lee was able to finish inside the top ten. The 2025 playing of the Women’s Open gave us a new-faces gallery from day one. The Kordas and Thitikulls were nowhere to be found, and it was the Mayashitas, Katsus, and Lim Kims that secured the Cymru spotlight. The first round lead was held at 67 by two golfers. One of them battled to the end, while the other posted 81 on day two, and missed the cut. Sitting one shot behind was Miyu Yamashita.

On day two, Yamashita posted the round of the tournament. Her 65 moved her to the front of the aisle, in just her fourth turn around a women’s Open championship. With the pre-event favorites drifting off pace, followers narrowed into two camps: those on the side of an underdog, and others hoping for a weekend charge from back in the pack. In the end, we had a bit of both.

On Saturday, Yamashita bent with 74 on Saturday, offering rays of hope to her pursuing pack. England’s Charley Hull made a run on Sunday closing within one shot before tailing off to a T2 finish with Minami Katsu. Katsu posted the other 65 of the week, on Saturday, but could not overtake her countrywoman, Yamashita. wunderkind Lottie Woad needed one round in the 60s to find her pace, but could only must close-to’s, ending on 284 and a tie with Minjee for eighth.

On Sunday, Yamashita put away the thoughts of Saturday’s struggles, with three-under 33 on the outward half. She closed in plus-one 37, but still won by two, for a first Major and LPGA title.

PGA Tour @ Wyndham: Young gathers first title near home

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On Saturday, Young continued his torrid pace with 65, giving him a five-shot advantage over his closest pursuer. Sunday saw the Scarborough native open with bogey, then reel off five consecutive birdies to remind folks that his time had, at last, arrived. Pars to the 16th, before two harmless bogeys coming home, made Young the 1000th winner of an official PGA Tour event (dating back to before there was a PGA Tour) throughout history. What’s next? I have a suspicion, but I’m not letting on. Mac Meissner closed with 66 to finish solo 2nd, while Mark Hubbard and Alex Noren tied for third.

Korn Ferry Tour @ Utah Championship: Are you Suri it’s Julian?

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Taylor Montgomery began the week with 62, then posted 64, then 68, and finally, 70. That final round was his undoing. He finished in that second-place tie, two back of the leader. Trace Crowe, Barend Botha, and Kensei Hirata made up the last of the almost quintet. As for Suri, his Sunday play was sublime. His nines were 32 and 31, with his only radar blip a bogey at ten. He closed in style with one final birdie, to double his winning margin. Hogan bloomed late…might Suri?

PGA Tour Americas @ Osprey Valley Open presented by Votorantim Cimentos – CBM Aggregates

Some tournament names run longer than others. This week in Toronto, at the Heathlands course at TPC Toronto, we might have seen the longest tournament title in recorded history. The OVOPBVCCBMA was a splendid affair. It saw three rounds of 62 on Thursday, but of those early risers, only Drew Goodman would stick around until the end. 64 was the low tally on day two, and two of those legionnaires managed to finish inside the top three at week’s end. Saturday brought a 63 from Patrick Newcomb, and he would follow with 64 on Sunday, to finish solo fourth.

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