During the State of the Masters address, Fred Ridley warned that the current ball‑distance standards threaten iconic courses. He backed the USGA and R&A’s plan to reduce driving distances by 15 yards for elite players by 2030, stressing the need to protect Augusta National’s layout and similar venues worldwide.
Masters Chairman Urges Strict Ball‑Distance Rules
Fred Ridley, chair of the Masters, urged governing bodies to enforce stricter distance limits on modern golf balls, citing Augusta’s challenges and player drives over 325 yards.