USGA, R&A propose reducing maximum driver length, hint at bifurcation

Bryson DeChambeau's dream of using a 48-inch driver may be over.

The USGA and R&A issued a joint statement Tuesday outlining three proposed changes to equipment standards. The release also hinted at potential bifurcation under local rules to mitigate the sport's continuing distance increases.

The proposed equipment changes are as follows:

• Reduce the maximum length of clubs other than putters from 48 to 46 inches under a "model local rule"
• Update on testing method for golf balls
• Change to the testing tolerance for a club's characteristic time, which is the time - in microseconds - that the clubface and ball are in contact during impact

The average driver length on Tour as of December 2019 was 44.75 inches, according to Golf.com's Jonathan Wall.

Golf's governing bodies sent the proposals to equipment manufacturers for comments, asking them to provide research and perspectives that may lead to future equipment rules changes.

The USGA and R&A also identified the following "Areas of Interest" that require additional research:

• The potential use of a local rule that would "specify the use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distance." That would mean tournament organizers could implement rules forcing players to use limited-flight golf balls or clubs that do not produce the same distance as those currently used; this is essentially a form of bifurcation between the professional and amateur levels.
• "A review of the overall conformance specifications for both clubs and balls, including specifications that both directly and indirectly affect hitting distances." This could include driver head size, club length, or clubhead characteristics optimized to produce higher ball speeds.

The announcements mark the next steps in the distance-mitigation process that began with the Distance Insights Report published by the USGA and R&A last February before the COVID-19 pandemic put the study on hold.

"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," said USGA CEO Mike Davis.

The USGA and R&A are asking equipment manufacturers to submit comments by specific deadlines throughout the year. The first submission period pertains to the reduction of maximum club length and runs until March 4.

Manufacturers have until Nov. 2 to share research data regarding the "Areas of Interest."