On December 6, 2023, The R&A and USGA announced the biggest change in equipment testing of the last 20 years – one that will affect golfers at all levels. The golf ball will be rolled back by changing its testing criteria.
Currently, golf balls in testing cannot travel more than 317 yards (plus a three-yard tolerance) with a testing swing speed of 120mph, a spin rate of 2,520rpm and a launch angle of 10˚. From 2028, the overall distance a ball can travel will remain the same for testing, but the swing speed will be upped to 125mph with a lower spin rate of 2,220rpm and a higher launch angle of 11˚. This will mean a relative reduction in hitting distance for all golfers using the new specification of ball.
While the testing procedures will be changed in 2028, golf balls released in 2027 and earlier will still be permitted in amateur play until