Augusta's Ridley supports efforts to reduce driving distance - ESPN

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said Wednesday that the club supports governing bodies' efforts to reduce elite driving distance, which he says are needed to protect golf's integrity.

«My feeling on this subject is [that] failure's not an option,» Ridley said during a news conference ahead of this week's Masters. «I think we need to continue to work together to come to some agreement. Tough issues like this require compromise, and I think there has been some compromise to date.»

The United States Golf Association announced in March that it might not implement a new Overall Distance Standard, which would reduce elite driving distances by 15 yards, until 2030. The USGA and R&A had previously stated the new testing rules would apply to elite players in 2028 before affecting all golfers in 2030.

«I want to reemphasize that support and affirm our position as the USGA and R&A represent their collective obligation as custodians of the game,» Ridley said. «I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course. We will continue to make modifications as are necessary to react to driving distances that in some cases exceed 350 yards.»

Ridley noted that amateur Jackson Herrington, who qualified for his first Masters as the 2025 U.S. Amateur runner-up, told him that he drove balls over the fairway bunkers on Nos. 1 and 5 during practice rounds this week

«About a 325-yard carry, and one was into the wind,» Ridley said.

The Masters tees on the par-4, 445-yard opening hole were pushed back 20 to 25 yards in 2002 and additional 15 to 20 yards four years later.

The par-4 fifth hole was lengthened to 445 yards in 2003 and extended by another 40