By Design – Issue 52, Spring 2021

7 Photo: credit The R&A and USGA have released an update to their Distance Insights project, proposing three changes to equipment rules and revealing two specific “areas of interest” for future research. The equipment rule changes are designed to “mitigate continuing distance increases” and include an optional local rule to change the maximum length of clubs – excluding putters – from 48 to 46 inches. The two other proposals concern the modernization of equipment testing protocols. The areas of interest are to assess “the potential use of a Local Rule that would specify the use of clubs and/or balls intended to result in shorter hitting distances” and conduct “a review of the overall conformance specifications for both clubs and balls, including specifications that both directly and indirectly affect hitting distances.” The response from professional golfers has been mixed, with last year’s US Open winner Bryson DeChambeau saying he is open to proposed changes in equipment regulations, while Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas have been more critical. Read the full update from The R&A and USGA. R&A and USGA reveal ‘areas of interest’ for distance research range. The developers are also seeking a designer for a second course, with the aim of providing two world-class golf facilities. “This project has been carefully planned to ensure an unmatched resort experience for both golfers and regular guests,” said Phillipe Gas, CEO of Qiddiya Investment Company. “We expect the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course to provide the most entertaining challenge for golfers.” A visualisation of the planned Nicklaus Design course near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, framed by the Tuwaiq mountain range Gene Bates, ASGCA, will begin renovation work this spring for Circling Raven Golf Club at Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho. In 2019, Circling Raven hired Bates, the original designer of the course, to develop a master plan. “We wanted a plan that would allow us to continue to operate the course and not impact revenues,” said director of golf David Christenson. “Therefore, we started phase one by developing a plan for the expansion of the putting green, repositioning the tenth tees, and changing the presentation of the back tee on the first hole. “We believe these changes will be meaningful to our guests and especially for the players who are coming out to the Symetra Tour event in August. The new putting green at 12,500 square feet should allow players plenty of space to work on their short game.” Gene Bates to renovate Circling Raven Image: Saudi Golf Image: Circling Raven