Golf Ball Rollback Rules Announced, Set to Impact Pros from 2028 and Amateurs from 2030

The new rules, aimed at ensuring golf's long-term sustainability, are expected to reduce drive distances by up to 15 yards for elite pros and five yards for amateurs.

Golf's governing bodies, the USGA and R&A, have announced a timeline for rolling back the distance golf balls can travel, with the new rules affecting professionals from 2028 and amateur players from 2030.
The rollback is expected to reduce the distance of drives by up to 15 yards for the most elite pros, and around five yards for amateurs.
The decision has sparked a range of reactions, with some professionals and equipment manufacturers criticizing the move, while others, including Rory McIlroy, have expressed support.
The new rules are part of an effort to reduce the impact of increased hitting distances on golf's long-term sustainability.
The changes mark the first update to test speeds since 2004, and are expected to make some golf courses that were becoming obsolete due to increased driving distances, relevant again.