Story perspectives

USGA, R&A Set 317-Yard Ball Limit, Young Exceeds

6/18/2026

Summary

USGA Sets ODS

The USGA and R&A will adopt a new overall distance standard (ODS) for golf balls in 2030 and expand the study with the PGA and European Tours.
Mike Whan said the test will use a 125 mph swing speed and set the distance limit at roughly 317 yards.
Cameron Young’s ball passed the ODS test yet hit a 375-yard tee shot, prompting Whan to warn the review must accelerate before 2030.

Summary

USGA Delays ODS

The statement said Overall Distance Standard testing will not change until January 2030, delaying rollout.
Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley and Masters champions Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson backed the effort to curb driving distance.
USGA CEO Mike Whan met the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council at Memorial Tournament, noted player willingness, and revived talk of an equipment “bifurcation,” with the Ladies Professional Golf Association, Professional Golfers' Association of America and PGA engaged.

Summary

Golf Authorities Warn

The R&A, USGA, PGA Tour and DP World Tour issued a joint statement warning that many courses could become obsolete as ball travel exceeds current designs.
Average PGA Tour driving distance rose to 302.8 yards last year, up from 286.5 yards in 2004, showing a rapid increase.
Stakeholders prefer a single-date 2030 rollout of the new ODS, with tour officials remaining open to alternative testing if distances stay excessive.

History

Historical Context

Since the late 1970s metal woods like TaylorMade’s driver replaced wooden heads, the USGA and R&A capped driver head volume at 460 cc in the mid-2000s and, in 2004, imposed a 62° loft limit to slow rising distances. Today the same bodies, joined by the PGA Tour and Augusta National, pursue a 2030 Overall Distance Standard to preserve historic courses.

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USGA Sets ODS

The USGA and R&A will adopt a new overall distance standard (ODS) for golf balls in 2030 and expand the study with the PGA and European Tours.
Mike Whan said the test will use a 125 mph swing speed and set the distance limit at roughly 317 yards.
Cameron Young’s ball passed the ODS test yet hit a 375-yard tee shot, prompting Whan to warn the review must accelerate before 2030.

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