Time for speculation after all the recent noise. Let's bet on the ball's impact on driving distance. Here are the last 10 years of driving distance average on the PGA Tour.
2014 288.8
2015 289.7
2016 290.0
2017 292.5
2018 296.1
2019 293.9
2020 296.4
2021 296.2
2022 299.8
2023 299.9
Overall the trend is up. There is variation from year to year probably the result of different playing conditions and changes of players on and off tour.
So, what's the over/under on the average distance of the current long ball in 2027. My guess is 302-303 given the past progression.
And, what's the over/under for the average distance of the new short ball in 2028. My guess is 294-295.
So, it'll take us back to somewhere around 2017-2018 average distances. Anybody think there is a noticeable difference in perception about driving distance on tour between 2017 and today? Anybody think there will be any noticeable difference between 2028 and today in our perception of tour driving distance? Maybe if they can't carry the right fairway bunker on #8 at the Masters, or .........