Augusta National’s Fred Ridley gave rollback plans a thumbs-up

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Twenty-two days after the governing bodies sounded the bugle in a battle for the future of golf, the cavalry arrived on Wednesday at Augusta National.

It was March 14 when the USGA and R&A proposed a modified local rule that, if adopted, would introduce a limited-distance ball at the elite level. The timing wasn’t accidental. It accommodated three weeks of predictable histrionics, warnings, bluster and social media carping from every constituency: Tour players, architecture nerds, equipment manufacturers, invested observers, armchair analysts, media partners and influential shills. Which was just enough time for the smoke to begin clearing before what will likely prove the decisive contribution in a long-smoldering and sulfurous debate:

“We have been consistent in our support of the governing bodies, and we restate our desire to see distance addressed.”

Thus spake Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters. He added that while the club will respect the feedback period established by the governing bodies (it runs through August 14), he left no doubt as to what position his powerful entities will adopt.

“I’ve stated that we believe distance needs to be addressed,” Ridley said. “I think the natural conclusion is, yes, we will be supportive.”

So when theory becomes practice — on Jan. 1, 2026, when the proposed change would take effect — the 90th Masters will be the first major championship contested with a modified ball. It will be followed that same year by the Opens, U.S. and British, since the governing bodies who run those events have made clear they will exercise their own option. What odds the PGA Championship — ever mindful of being perceived as the runt of the major litter — will diminish itself by choosing to separate itself further on the ball issue? Your move, Mr. Waugh.

Having every major conducted with a modified ball will test the willingness of Tour players to switch equipment from their weekly money games for events that actually define legacies. When the whining is exhausted — admittedly, this might take until Dec. 31, 2025 — the professional proletariat will reconcile itself to the new reality. Without Wednesday’s unambiguous signal from Ridley, the future landscape would look a lot more uncertain. His words lend support to the governing bodies, clarity to the future, and no succor to the smash bros.

Masters 2023 leaderboard: Get the latest news from Augusta

Chairman’s press…