A survey of EIGCA members in Autumn 2020 found that 95% agreed action is needed to reduce hitting distance. EIGCA is therefore encouraged by the R&A / USGA seeking to mitigate continuing distance increases to help achieve a more sustainable long-term future for golf. This official recognition from golf’s governing bodies to the problems of length is an important step forward and key to determining solutions to the key findings in their report.
“EIGCA supports measures to mitigate continuing distance increases, which will reduce the overall length of holes and therefore the turfgrass surface to be maintained. Shorter courses require less land and require fewer resources which mean they are more economically and environmentally sustainable. Shorter courses are also quicker to play, increase inclusivity in the sport and potentially more profitable,” says Christoph Städler, EIGCA’s President.
“EIGCA welcomes the initiative to create guidelines on course design with regards distance. This is an area which our members deal with on a daily basis as courses try to adapt to ever increasing shot lengths. Providing guidelines on forward tees and ensuring that playing length of golf courses accommodates all players, is at the heart of golf course architecture.
“As stakeholders in the future success of golf, we look forward to opportunities of working with the R&A to develop recommendations and best management practices on course design related to distance for all golf courses and all levels of golfers, as stated in the report.”
