PGA Tour and USGA issue key statement day before US Open

The PGA Tour and the USGA have joined the RA and the DP World Tour in issuing a key statement, the day before the US Open gets underway.Golfing stars tee off for day one on Thursday, with Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and other big names in action.Ahead of the tournament, the governing bodies have all released a joint statement raising concern about distance increases and the long-term consequences of failing to address this consistent trend.The group is all in agreement that golf faces a distance issue, with players hitting the ball farther off the tee. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The bodies all voiced their opinions about how golf balls are tested via the Overall Distance Standard (ODS) and if they achieve the desired result.The USGA previously said it may not implement a new ODS, which would reduce elite driving distances by 15 yards, until 2030.Both the USGA and the RA noted the new testing rules would apply to elite players in 2028, impacting all golfers in 2030.American golfing star Cameron Young shared he had been playing a ball which fit the rollback changes at the PGA Championship, without seeing a loss in distance.LATEST SPORTS NEWSHarry Maguire told off for speaking out on World Cup snubbingInside Tommy Fleetwood's quest for a first major championship and why the US Open can be his timeWayne Rooney's new look astonishes football fans during BBC World Cup coverageHe said: Obviously, there is no conforming list. I wasn't aware that it would have [conformed]. I suppose I read something that said it passed that test, but I wasn't aware of that until very recently. So, at no point was that a consideration. It was just really me trying to optimise my golf, and it's the ball that seems to work the best for me.The four bodies shared that they are open to reconsidering alternative approaches that may more materially impact the pace of future distance increases, while minimising disruption to the overall golf market.Part of the statement read: The governing bodies will work closely with key stakeholders - including the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and their respective members - to review, test and implement options that have a meaningful impact on distance at the elite level.These efforts will ensure the elite game does not become too one-dimensional while continuing to emphasise the importance of shot-making.There will be no change to the ODS testing approach until January 2030 while these options are evaluated.The USGA, The RA, PGA TOUR and DP World Tour are confident in the path forward and committed to working collaboratively, and with other key stakeholders, to ensure the long-term health of the game.The US Open gets underway on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills in New York.McIlroy appears to be relishing in the challenge of the competition, saying: If everything is going the way everyone wants it in terms of weather, set-up, I think it's the best championship test in the country.It tests all aspects of the game: driving, iron play, you need to have your wits about you on the greens. It's a lot of strategy, thoughtfulness. This course demands so much patience - it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn't.If you can get your ball to the middle of the greens and just putt to the corners wherever the flags are, that's never a bad strategy. The strategy I've employed at the US Open over the past few years has been a lot like that and that's served me well.It hasn't got me the trophy but it's got me pretty close a few years. I definitely feel I've become a lot better of a US Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter