New rules to limit golf ball distance pushed back

New rules to limit golf ball distance pushed backImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The R&A and USGA have been looking for a solution to limiting the distance a golf ball can fly for eight yearsByIain CarterGolf correspondentPublished36 minutes ago4 CommentsPlans to limit how far golf balls can fly in the professional game have been put on hold by the R&A and United States Golf Association, and other options are being considered to try to solve the game's distance problem.There remains a lack of consensus among golf's stakeholders including the leading tours, their players, manufacturers and governing bodies who have been anxious to implement change.For the past eight years the R&A and USGA have been examining ways to counter the massive length modern players such as Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler can generate, especially with their tee shots.They thought they had found an answer by introducing new rules that would have meant that from 2028 leading pros would be forced to use balls manufactured to new distance-curbing specifications.Estimates suggested they would see a reduction of around 15 yards as a result of changing the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) of the new balls.Because of their slower swing speeds, recreational golfers would be less impacted and the changes for them were scheduled come into play in 2030.Now it has been announced that any change in the elite game will not occur before 2030 and that there will be no phased introduction of new regulations.US Open18-21 JuneShinnecock Hills, New YorkLive text updates of all four rounds on BBC Sport website and app. Live radio commentary of rounds three and four on BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.Please check schedules.Recent industry feedback, most notably from the PGA and DP World Tours indicated support for this single-date implementation across the whole game.It is now clear the distance debate has been reopened as result of what the R&A and USGA said have...