How far is too far? Thoughts on the new distance proposal from the USGA — Must-click women’s golf links

The IX: Golf Thursday with Addie Parker, Mar. 16, 2023

Happy Golf Thursday, friends! This week is a bit of a doozy — lately I feel as though I’ve being saying that a lot, but golf has been going through some major changes. The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club ( R&A) are golf’s governing bodies, calling the shots on all the rules and changes being made to the game we all love. This week they shook the table with a groundbreaking new rules proposal:

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Image from USGA.org

Golf’s governing bodies says that some pros are just hitting it too far. Why is that a bad thing? Ultimately, what it boils down to is that golf courses, like Pebble Beach, Augusta National, Quail Hallow, TPC Sawgrass, and so on can’t rapidly expand to accommodate those players who drive the ball 300+ yards. So rather than changing the environment, the governing bodies want to change a resource. Be mindful that this new proposal is meant to be applied to “elite competition” only, this begins at the pros and trickles down the skill hierarchy.

This separation, or bifurcation, takes something away that makes golf special — the fact that amateurs and pros essentially use the same equipment.

In his news conference yesterday, ahead of the Valspar Championship, Justin Thomas had a lot of words for golf’s governing bodies. It’s a must watch.

JT isn’t the only player vocalizing their issues with the proposal. Other players, have taken to social media to express their thoughts.

CEO of the USGA, and former commissioner of the LPGA Mike Whan went on the No Laying Up podcast to give a personal rebuttal to the mixed reactions after the news.

But to make things clear, the Model Local Rule intended to reduce distance at the highest levels of men’s golf won’t apply to the LPGA, other elite female players, or recreational golfers.

The LPGA released a statement following the news on Tuesday:

“The LPGA is appreciative of the leadership and stewardship of the USGA and The R&A on a variety of topics, including distance. At this time, we do not see distance as a hindrance toward the growth of the LPGA Tour or to the courses on which we can compete. We intend to explore and examine this proposal during the comment period and beyond from all angles. As always, we will act in accordance with what is best for our players, our partners, our Tour, our fans and the women’s game overall. We are committed to ensuring the golf course is an equitable place for everyone, and our focus will be on helping grow the women’s game and providing equal opportunities for girls and women of all ages.”

For the full breakdown of the proposal, check out this article that sums up everything you need to know.



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This week in women’s golf

If you have links you wish to share for Golf Thursday, sources for golf news, or want to talk about anything at all, you can email me at addieparker25@gmail.com ! Discussion of any kind is always welcome…I mean it…MESSAGE ME!

LPGA News

The LPGA Tour has produced some of its most memorable moments in the Grand Canyon State

Maria Fassi’s family experience with disabilities led her to start inclusive golf programs for kids

LET News

Ashleigh Buhai fired a final round of 68 (-4) to win the 2023 Investec South African Women’s Open at Steenberg Golf Club

After a sensational 2022 season, Linn Grant has had a varied start to life on Tour this year and is making sure to learn from every situation

Belgium’s Manon De Roey recalls clinching her first LET title a year on from winning the Aramco Team Series – Bangkok Individual event by three strokes

Epson Tour News

3 players to watch at the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic

Follow along with the live leaderboard

NCAA News

Rose Zhang passes Lydia Ko for most consecutive weeks at No. 1 in Women’s Amateur Rankings

LSU senior Latanna Stone talks about returning to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur after tying for second last year

Rose Zhang ties Stanford’s career wins record, a fourth golfer wins for Vanderbilt and more highlights from the past week in college golf

Revamped Seminole Legacy Golf Club at Florida State set to hold two major college events this week

The University of the Southwest’s golf team carries on a year after tragic van crash

Other News

Annika Sorenstam set to raise money for residents of East Palestine, Ohio, hometown of husband Mike McGee



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Five at The IX: Top Shots from the first round Aramco Team Series – Singapore

The sixth event of the 2023 Ladies European Tour season gets underway on Thursday with the Aramco Team Series – Singapore staged on the Masters Course at Laguna National.

Watch live on the LET YouTube channel.


Mondays: Soccer
By: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer
Tuesdays: Tennis
By: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer
Wednesdays: Basketball
By: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The Next
Thursdays: Golf
By: Addie Parker, @addie_parker, The IX
Fridays: Hockey
By: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden
Saturdays: Gymnastics
By: Lela Moore, @runlelarun, Freelance Writer

Written by Addie Parker