That is at least a possibility if equipment experts are correct in their beliefs and mathematical calculations, that today’s – and tomorrow’s – equipment will make historic golf courses obsolete. For the 2024 Masters, the course was stretched to 7,550 yards – approximately 600 yards longer than in 1997, when Tiger Woods won his first of five Green Jackets. “We may well play one of the tournament rounds this year at more than 7,600 yards,’’ Ridley said. “I’ve said in the past that I hope we will not play the Masters at 8,000 yards, but that is likely to happen, in the not too distant future, under current standards. Accordingly, we support the decisions that have been made by the R&A and the USGA as they have addressed the impact of distance at all levels of the game.” The decision made by the USGA and The R&A to roll back the ball has not been well received and is not universally supported by the golf community. The PGA Tour, Titleist and their parent company, Acushnet, have each questioned the decision. Average golfers are not too excited about playing a shorter golf ball, as well. Ridley also said that if the decision to roll back the ball was not adopted by the Tour and the other major golf industry leaders, “It would cause a great deal of stress in the game, which it doesn’t need it right now.’’ Even though golf has reached new all-time levels of participation, especially among women and juniors, it seems there are important issues that need to be resolved to assure the game remains enjoyable for all golfers.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ2Nzk4