All articles tagged with #randa
Kevin Kisner criticizes the handling of Bryson DeChambeau's two-stroke penalty at The Open, arguing that a nearby official and clearer communication with the R&A were missing, and suggesting penalties based on camera angles is problematic, calling the whole episode 'total chaos'.
Bryson DeChambeau argued with R&A officials after a two-shot penalty for improving his swing line by standing on long grass at Royal Birkdale during round two of The Open. He reportedly threatened to call Donald Trump if the decision wasn’t overturned, though there’s no evidence the call occurred. The R&A stood by the ruling; DeChambeau finished tied for 14th and remains in the UK for LIV Golf, while the Trump angle drew media attention with no official comment from the R&A.
Bryson DeChambeau’s request to view his Friday Open scorecard was refused by the R&A on policy grounds as his media standoff continued at Royal Birkdale, while Rory McIlroy called the incidents ‘performative’ and Sam Burns held a two-shot lead after the third round.
Bryson DeChambeau was penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his backswing in thick fescue on the fifth hole during the second round of The Open, dropping from solo second to a tie for fifth. R&A official Grant Moir said the penalty applies even when the action is accidental. DeChambeau appeared frustrated and hinted he might not play the next day, while his agent argued the decision was unfair. He finished Day 2 at two-under 68 as Lucas Herbert led at eight-under.
Bryson DeChambeau argued with rules officials over whether he improved his lie while searching for his ball on the fifth hole of the Open; the R&A ruled he did improve it and penalized him two strokes, dropping him from seven-under to five-under and into a tie for fifth with Si Woo Kim and Sam Burns. He will resume play Saturday alongside Burns.
The Open Championship unveiled a five-point fan conduct code, The Open Commitment, urging spectators to respect players, the links, each other, stay aware, and enjoy responsibly; serious or repeated breaches can lead to removal without refund. With a record crowd expected at Royal Birkdale, officials have briefed marshals on enforcement. The piece notes recent course changes at Royal Birkdale and scheduling considerations tied to the World Cup, and also highlights Adam Scott receiving the Spirit of Golf Award and Jack Nicklaus sending letters to major champions as part of Open-related news.
Masters chairman Fred Ridley endorsed the USGA/R&A plan to roll back elite players’ distance, stressing that failure is not an option and noting a potential 2030 all-player rollout; he argues the change preserves the game’s essence despite pushback from the PGA Tour and equipment makers, with recreational impact expected to be minimal while major championships navigate rule alignment and commercial interests.
Turnberry will not host the British Open soon due to logistical issues, not political reasons related to Donald Trump, with the R&A citing transportation and infrastructure challenges as the main concerns, and maintaining that the decision is independent of Trump's ownership.
The Open Championship is unlikely to return to Donald Trump's Turnberry course soon due to logistical issues related to transportation and infrastructure, despite the course's beauty and history of hosting the event. The R&A is in discussions with Trump Golf and the UK government but has expressed concerns about the challenges of hosting the tournament there, similar to other Scottish courses like Muirfield, which also faces infrastructure upgrades. The decision ultimately depends on resolving these logistical hurdles.
The R&A has discussed with Eric Trump the possibility of returning The Open to Turnberry, but logistical challenges such as infrastructure improvements remain, and the decision is pending further developments and feasibility assessments, with potential venues including Ireland.
The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club will feature a record $17 million purse, with the winner receiving $3.1 million. This increase aims to balance the growth of the sport globally while maintaining financial sustainability. The Open's prize money remains fourth among major championships.
The USGA and R&A have announced plans to roll back the distance golf balls travel, starting in 2028, in an effort to combat the increasing distances that threaten the sport's long-term sustainability. Professional golfers will have to use conforming balls from 2028, while amateurs will have until 2030. The USGA claims that the impact on recreational golfers will be minimal, with the average male golfer losing 3 to 5 yards off the tee and the average female golfer losing 1 to 3 yards. The decision has received mixed reactions, with some pros expressing concern for recreational players and others wanting to maintain their own length off the tee. The organizations also emphasized the need to continue testing drivers to prevent excessive speed and distance growth.
The USGA and R&A have announced a golf ball rollback that will reduce driving distances on the PGA Tour by an estimated nine to 15 yards starting in 2028. The new Overall Distance Standard (ODS) will increase the swing speed requirement for testing and adjust launch angles and spin rates. The decision was based on research among top PGA Tour players, and the ruling bodies expect the longest hitters to see a reduction of 13-15 yards in driving distance. The new standard will be adopted for recreational play in 2030, with minimal impact on average driving distances.
Golf's ruling bodies, the USGA and R&A, have announced changes to golf ball testing to address the consistent gains in distance off the tee, which they believe are detrimental to the game. The new testing standards, effective from 2028 for tour and elite golf and 2030 for recreational golfers, involve a club swung at 125 mph, a spin rate of 2,200 rpm, and a launch angle of 11 degrees. The changes are expected to result in the ball going up to 15 yards shorter for the longest hitters, with shorter distances for average tour pros, female tour players, and recreational golfers. The PGA Tour and PGA of America have expressed concerns about the proposed changes, while some players, like Keegan Bradley, have criticized the decision.
The PGA Tour has informed the USGA and R&A that it does not support the proposed rollback of the golf ball, stating that it is not warranted and not in the best interest of the game. The proposed "Modified Local Rule" would give tours the option to require a golf ball that goes about 15 yards shorter for the biggest hitters, but the PGA Tour believes it would bring two sets of rules to golf and potentially cost elite players millions in endorsement money. The USGA is currently in the "Notice & Comment" period and appreciates the PGA Tour's feedback.