BY Robert j. matthews
Big hitters in golf might hit the ball shorter by about 15 yards due to new rules about ball specifications from the R&A and United States Golf Association.
All players will be affected, but officials think that recreational golfers, who can't swing as fast as pros, will lose less than five yards on their longest shots.
Golf manufacturers and leading tours have opposed this announcement after a long period of discussion.
One manufacturer said previous proposals were unnecessary.
However, the game's rule makers insist that hitting distances must be limited.
"We must take this trend seriously," said Martin Slumbers, CEO of R&A, in an interview with BBC Sport.
Golf courses are getting longer, so we must protect the integrity of the courses, the balance between skills and technology, and the way the game is played.
But the sport also needs to take responsibility and be aware of how it affects the environment and sustainability.
As golf courses get longer, we run out of space and it's not good for the environment.
Today's golf balls, which are more expensive at around £6 each, can be hit farther than ever before when using the latest large-headed drivers.