What is your take on the study on increased distance on Tour?

Written by Mel Sole on June 3, 2016. Posted in European PGA Tour, PGA Tour

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The USGA and the R&A stated that there were no immediate plans to change the rules on equipment. Using the words “slow creep” regarding increased distance on Tour, the governing bodies see no need to panic at the moment. I completely disagree with that! At the current rate of a 1% gain in distance each year, it would mean that in 17 more years (not that long, considering this study is over 13 years), the Tour Pros will be hitting the ball over 400 yards! We’re talking average here. The longer hitters will be driving short par 4’s with ease. And turning 500-yard par 4’s into a drive and a lob wedge. The time to act is now. Not like the anchored putter debacle when they waited too long to change the rule. I agree with Jack. Change the ball for the pros, but let the amateurs play with regular balls to enjoy an extra few yards and thus increase participation in the game!

USGA/R&A publishes research on driving distance gains on PGA Tour

It seems that everyone, from media critics to former players, has a solution for the problem of distance gains in golf today, whether it’s to dial back the golf ball, change regulations on equipment or to continue to lengthen golf courses. Even Jack Nicklaus offered his advice: “Change the friggin’ golf ball.”

On Thursday, the USGA and R&A published research from a joint study on driver distance that may put those concerns to rest for the near future.

The study looked at data on driver distance across seven major professional golf tours — the PGA, European, Japan Golf, Web.com, Champions, LPGA and Ladies European. As presented in the research, distance gains are at a “slow creep,” as opposed to what some critics have suggested.

Click here to read the full study.

The chart below was used in the research study, showing yearly driving distance averages across the seven major tours — data for the PGA Tour dates back to 1980.

Also included is a look at yearly scoring averages, which the report also refers to as a “slow creep” downward.

To see the important takeaways according to the study, go here.

Source : golfwrx.com Andrew Tursky

Pictures : USGA & R&A

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What is your take on the study on increased distance on Tour?

USGA/R&A publishes research on driving distance gains on PGA Tour

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