Report: USGA, R&A Proposing Club Shortening

Mike Stachura reports on the October notice sent to manufacturers proposing the shortening of maximum club length to 46.5 inches to combat a distance explosion that isn't happening, but apparently would be the deal-killer should all elite players go to 48 inches.

Stachura writes:

The notice makes the case that a universal switch to the current limit of 48 inches by professional players would result in an increase in driving distance of “as much as six yards.” They did not note any potential change in accuracy. It is generally believed that longer golf clubs are less accurate, especially at driver length.

Once again, anything not to touch the ball.

As Stachura notes, less accuracy comes with longer clubs, so why restrict someone from a longer club? Particularly when the Joint Statement of Principles was once concerned with protecting accuracy?

It's similar to players choosing to go to 64 degree wedges, where the increased chance of missing offsets any distinct and consistent de-skilling of the game.