Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley insists “failure is not an option” when trying to reduce hitting distances that have made golf more “one-dimensional”.
Golf’s governing bodies said in February 2020 they intended to “break the ever-increasing cycle of hitting distance”, with the USGA and R&A announcing in 2023 how they planned to implement a golf ball rollback.
Tweaks to the testing conditions used for golf ball conformance under the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) would see the longest hitters reduced by up to 15 yards, with the initial plan for it to be introduced in professional golf in 2028 expected to be delayed until 2030.
Fred Ridley addressed the media ahead of The Masters
Ridley has regularly spoken about the concerns over the distances elite players are hitting the golf ball, with the Augusta National chairman keen to see the issue addressed and changes made to the sport.
“I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course,” Ridley said in his annual press conference. “We will continue to make modifications as are necessary to react to driving distances that in some cases exceed 350 yards.
“Unfortunately, many courses, including some iconic venues, do not have that option. Until recent years golf has been a game of imagination, creativity, and variety. The game has become much more one-dimensional.
“As players drive the ball prodigious distances and routinely hit short irons into par-fours and even some par-fives, this issue goes beyond competitive impacts. Increased course lengths results in more time, more cost, and more environmental concerns.”
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods spoke out in support of the proposal when it was announced in 2023, with Ridley insisting a rollback can improve the professional game without affecting recreational golfers.
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“The data that has been shared with all stakeholders makes one thing clear: The impact to the recreational game will be immaterial,” Ridley added.
“All of us in this room and millions of weekend golfers around the world will be hard-pressed to notice the effects of this change, and I do not believe our enjoyment of the game will be affected.
“As for professional golf, we hold firm in our belief that the greats of the game are defined not merely by how far they hit the ball, but their extraordinary skill in all aspects of the game.
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“Their ability to shape shots, to take on risk, and to execute under pressure is at the heart of championship golf and is best displayed through a full spectrum of shot-making opportunities.
“Regulation of the golf ball is not an attempt to turn back time or stifle progress. It is an effort to preserve the essence of what makes golf the great game that it is.”
‘They know what the issues are’ – Ridley recognises LIV’s world ranking ‘issues’
There are 10 LIV Golf League players in the field for this year’s edition of The Masters, fewer than previous seasons, despite the circuit having been recognised by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) ahead of the 2026 campaign.
LIV Golf previously criticised the decision to only award ranking points to the top 10 finishers of their events, with Ridley – part of the OWGR board – admitting that there are “issues” still to resolve.
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Speaking ahead of The Masters, former champion Patrick Reed explained why he took the decision to walk away from LIV Golf with the aim of returning to the PGA Tour
“I think what our interest is in that role is making sure that the integrity of the OWGR remains intact,” Ridley added. “An underlying certain purpose is to identify the best players in the world through the ranking system, which is very transparent, is very data driven.
“As it relates to LIV, the issues involved in LIV getting or not getting ranking points has been public in Trevor Immelman’s letter to LIV a while back. Several of the issues that were raised have been addressed, which resulted in LIV receiving limited points.
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“They know what those issues are. Hopefully there will be efforts made to address those issues and allow them to receive more ranking points. The purpose of the system is to make sure the best players in the world have an opportunity to play in the best tournaments.”
When is The Masters live on Sky Sports?
Wall-to-wall coverage from the tournament begins at 2pm on Thursday, with Featured Group action and regular updates from around the course available on Sky Sports Golf until the global broadcast window begins at 6pm.
The same timings will apply on Friday, before an earlier start kicks in for the weekend – with coverage starting at 4.30pm ahead of full coverage getting under way at 5pm and lasting until long after the final putt is holed.
The notorious Amen Corner stream will also be available, focusing on the famous three-hole stretch from the 11th, with that Featured Group offering also available on the Sky Sports+ channel.
A feed of the fourth, fifth and sixth holes will go live each day as soon as the opening group reach that part of the course and another stream covers the 15th and 16th holes, with Featured Groups also available on Sky Sports+.
Who will win The Masters? Watch the opening major of the year exclusively live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the first round begins on Thursday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
