R&A boss says rule change to reduce golf ball distance is proportionate

Keegan Bradley tested a potential version of the new ball and claimed it was 40 to 50 yards shorter with his driver.

Golf's governing bodies insist a new rule change to reduce the distance balls travel is "proportionate" and will have "minimal" impact on recreational players.

The R&A and USGA had previously proposed a Model Local Rule (MLR) to give elite tournaments the option to require the use of balls which would travel around 15 yards less.