R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers has defended the decision by golf’s governing bodies that will cost the game’s biggest hitters up to 15 yards in driving distance.

The R&A and USGA have proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) that gives competition organisers the option to require use of golf balls that are tested under modified launch conditions to address the impacts of hitting distance in golf.

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan has notified the LPGA Board of Directors that he has made the difficult decision to transition out of the LPGA in 2021.

After a year disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 is gearing up to be an incredible season for the LPGA Tour. The 2021 LPGA Tour schedule will feature 34 official events across North America, Europe and Asia, with two new events added to the tournament calendar and players competing for a record $76.45 million in official purses.