USGA and R&A Implement New Golf Rules Including Long Driver Restrictions, Impact on DeChambeau and Mickelson, Yardage Book Equipment Use Also Limited
The long driver experiment by 'Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau was halted due to the long shaft restrictions imposed by the R&A and USGA.
[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyunjun] "Ban on using long shafts."
‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau’s dilemma has grown. The R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) and the USGA (United States Golf Association), which oversee global golf rules, have reduced the maximum driver shaft length from 48 inches to 46 inches starting this year. They are also considering various additional measures such as limiting the head size (maximum 460cc) and golf ball rebound. They explained, "There is a limit to extending golf course length in response to players’ long drives."
There is no immediate major impact. Usually, players using drivers around 45 inches or longer than 46 inches are limited to DeChambeau, ‘oldest major champion’ Phil Mickelson (both from the U.S.), Dylan Frittelli (South Africa), and LPGA Tour’s Brooke Henderson (Canada). Statistics show that "centrifugal force increases with every additional inch of shaft length, resulting in about 7 yards more distance." The problem is control. This is why players are collectively opposing the rule.
Justin Thomas expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "Long shafts are not necessarily advantageous," calling it an "unnecessary regulation." Collin Morikawa, known for his ‘pure hits,’ also stated, "Course difficulty is not determined by length," and questioned, "Can you win with 25 under par if the shaft is shorter?" Power hitter Jason Kokrak (U.S.) supported this, saying, "My driver is 45 inches, but I hit farther than anyone," and added, "The longer it is, the harder it is to hit straight."
Bryson DeChambeau has faced difficulties due to the ban on the use of green measuring devices by the R&A and USGA.
It is worth noting that DeChambeau used a 48-inch driver during the Capital One’s The Match last November when he clashed with his ‘rival’ Brooks Koepka (U.S.), and Mickelson benefited greatly from a 47.9-inch driver during his PGA Championship win last May. DeChambeau, in particular, transformed into the 2021 PGA Tour’s longest hitter (323.7 yards) after ‘bulking up’ by gaining 18 kg and has been repeatedly testing 48-inch drivers.
DeChambeau is also facing another setback with tightened regulations on yardage books. From now on, only yardage books approved by the tour committee can be used. They must be no larger than 4.25 inches wide and 7 inches tall, and cannot contain machine-generated data as before. A level used in civil engineering is a typical example. Players and caddies use it during practice rounds to understand the greens and meticulously record details in the yardage book. They add data scanned in 3D.
This means players must rely on their eyes and senses instead of equipment during play. It is interesting that DeChambeau’s other nickname is ‘The Scientist on the Field.’ In fact, in 2017, he had a dispute with the USGA over a putter with a half-moon-shaped head and a shaft inserted in the middle of the body, and in 2018, he caused controversy again by using a drafting compass. How DeChambeau will play on the greens is a point of interest. On the other hand, commercial activities such as appearing in advertisements for amateur golfers have been eased.
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