St Andrews, Scotland and Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States:  On March 18, The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that the release of research topics related to the next phase of the Distance Insights Project would be delayed to allow the wider golf industry to focus on its response to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic. 

Given continued health concerns and the impact on golf worldwide, The R&A and the USGA are now targeting March 2021 for the release of equipment research topics.

In a joint statement, the two bodies said: “We will continue to monitor the recovery of the golf industry and may update this target date accordingly. In accordance with the Equipment Rulemaking Procedures, the time for golf equipment manufacturers and other interested parties to participate in this research will also be amended to account for the delay. 

“In the interim, The R&A and the USGA will continue to monitor the effects of distance on the game. 

“Beyond Equipment Rule-making Procedures, the review of golf course design, set-up, and maintenance, as well as the availability and choice of appropriate teeing grounds, will continue, in support of golf’s long-term health.”