Governing bodies aim to ‘bring the game along with us’ in shorter ball proposal

Advances in fitness and golf equipment technology have seen players hit the ball further in recent years

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers hopes to achieve unity within the game over a proposed new local rule to limit distance (Jane Barlow/PA)

Golf’s governing bodies have pledged to “bring the game along with us” after proposing a new local rule to give tournament organisers the option to require the use of a shorter ball.

Advances in fitness and golf equipment technology have seen players hit the ball further and further in recent years, leading to golf courses being lengthened in an effort to continue to test the world’s best.