Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley insists “failure is not an option” when making an attempt to cut back hitting distances which have made golf extra “one-dimensional”.
Golf’s governing our bodies stated in February 2020 they supposed to “break the ever-increasing cycle of hitting distance”, with the USGA and R&A asserting in 2023 how they deliberate to implement a golf ball rollback.
Tweaks to the testing situations used for golf ball conformance below the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) would see the longest hitters lowered by up to 15 yards, with the preliminary plan for it to be launched in skilled golf in 2028 anticipated to be delayed till 2030.
Fred Ridley addressed the media forward of The Masters
Ridley has repeatedly spoken concerning the considerations over the distances elite gamers are hitting the golf ball, with the Augusta National chairman eager to see the difficulty addressed and modifications made to the game.
“I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course,” Ridley stated in his annual press convention. “We will proceed to make modifications as are vital to react to driving distances that in some instances exceed 350 yards.
“Unfortunately, many programs, together with some iconic venues, should not have that possibility. Until latest years golf has been a sport of creativeness, creativity, and selection. The sport has turn out to be way more one-dimensional.
“As players drive the ball prodigious distances and routinely hit short irons into par-fours and even some par-fives, this issue goes beyond competitive impacts. Increased course lengths results in more time, more cost, and more environmental concerns.”
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods spoke out in assist of the proposal when it was introduced in 2023, with Ridley insisting a rollback can enhance the skilled sport with out affecting leisure golfers.
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The most stunning moments from Masters historical past, together with Jordan Spieth’s collapse on the twelfth gap and an injury-plagued Tiger Woods being tackled by safety
“The data that has been shared with all stakeholders makes one thing clear: The impact to the recreational game will be immaterial,” Ridley added.
“All of us in this room and millions of weekend golfers around the world will be hard-pressed to notice the effects of this change, and I do not believe our enjoyment of the game will be affected.
“As for skilled golf, we maintain agency in our perception that the greats of the sport are outlined not merely by how far they hit the ball, however their extraordinary talent in all facets of the sport.
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“Their ability to shape shots, to take on risk, and to execute under pressure is at the heart of championship golf and is best displayed through a full spectrum of shot-making opportunities.
“Regulation of the golf ball shouldn’t be an try to flip again time or stifle progress. It is an effort to protect the essence of what makes golf the nice sport that it’s.”
‘They know what the issues are’ – Ridley recognises LIV’s world ranking ‘issues’
There are 10 LIV Golf League players in the field for this year’s edition of The Masters, fewer than previous seasons, despite the circuit having been recognised by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) ahead of the 2026 campaign.
LIV Golf previously criticised the decision to only award ranking points to the top 10 finishers of their events, with Ridley – part of the OWGR board – admitting that there are “points” nonetheless to resolve.
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Speaking forward of The Masters, former champion Patrick Reed defined why he took the choice to stroll away from LIV Golf with the purpose of returning to the PGA Tour
“I think what our interest is in that role is making sure that the integrity of the OWGR remains intact,” Ridley added. “An underlying certain purpose is to identify the best players in the world through the ranking system, which is very transparent, is very data driven.
“As it relates to LIV, the problems concerned in LIV getting or not getting rating factors has been public in Trevor Immelman’s letter to LIV some time again. Several of the problems that have been raised have been addressed, which resulted in LIV receiving restricted factors.
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Inci Mehmet explains why gamers from LIV will now obtain world rating factors and how that impacts panorama of the game.
“They know what those issues are. Hopefully there will be efforts made to address those issues and allow them to receive more ranking points. The purpose of the system is to make sure the best players in the world have an opportunity to play in the best tournaments.”
When is The Masters live on Sky Sports?
Wall-to-wall protection from the match begins at 2pm on Thursday, with Featured Group motion and common updates from across the course accessible on Sky Sports Golf till the worldwide broadcast window begins at 6pm.
The similar timings will apply on Friday, earlier than an earlier begin kicks in for the weekend – with protection beginning at 4.30pm forward of full protection getting below method at 5pm and lasting till lengthy after the ultimate putt is holed.
The infamous Amen Corner stream may also be accessible, specializing in the well-known three-hole stretch from the eleventh, with that Featured Group providing additionally accessible on the Sky Sports+ channel.
A feed of the fourth, fifth and sixth holes will go dwell every day as quickly because the opening group attain that a part of the course and one other stream covers the fifteenth and sixteenth holes, with Featured Groups additionally accessible on Sky Sports+.
Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening main of the 12 months completely dwell on Sky Sports. Live protection of the primary spherical begins on Thursday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
