Concerned about the ever greater distances reached by players with the driver and in order to preserve the interest of the game, the two authorities have decided to announce new limitations which will be implemented from next January
In a joint statement released on Tuesday the US Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A announced that the driver size limit would be increased from 48 to 46 inches but this decision will likely only come into effect at the elite level and not at the amateur level.
A new rule that ultimately concerns a tiny part of the PGA Tour players and mainly long hitters like Bryson DeChambeau.
But it could also generate reactions from players like Phil Mickelson who had already spoken to express his disagreement with the possible implementation of this reform.
Lefty had notably qualified as “pathetic” this possibility.. The 50-year-old believes that this change will promote a shorter, more violent swing (with an increased risk of injury) since a reduction in arc length would no longer allow natural speed to be created.
He said the move would make golf less fun and added of the game’s governing bodies that “ Logic was not their strong point. ”
Mickelson currently uses a 47.5 inch driver.
Local rule
It is important to note that this is not a “rule of golf” and as such it is not mandatory for the recreational golfer. It is a local rule available to those who organize events.
The organizers can therefore allow the use or not of clubs larger than 46 inches.
Therefore, the PGA Tour could very well use this rule to prevent players from using drivers over 48 inches at Players, while the Augusta National Golf Club Masters organizing committee would choose not to. not apply it.
©Getty / AFP
