Masters Chairman Takes Strongest Stance Yet on Pro Golf’s Battle Over Distance
Sports Illustrated • • sports
Key Points:
- Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters, strongly supports the proposed golf ball distance rollback by the USGA and R&A, emphasizing that "failure is not an option" in preserving the game's integrity.
- The rollback aims to reduce elite players' driving distances by 15 to 20 yards by testing golf balls at a higher speed standard, with minimal impact expected on recreational players.
- The PGA Tour and PGA of America have expressed concerns and requested delaying the rollback to 2030, raising the possibility of different golf ball specifications across major championships.
- Ridley highlighted issues beyond competition, including increased course length leading to higher costs, environmental concerns, and a loss of creativity in the game due to longer drives.
- The debate involves commercial interests from manufacturers and players, but Ridley called for compromise to protect golf’s essence, noting the importance of skill beyond just distance in defining championship golf.
