Masters Chairman Fred Ridley has once again displayed his support for the golf ball rollback in his latest press conference. On Wednesday, April 8, during his press conference ahead of the 90th Masters, Ridley made it clear that the golf rollback wasn’t an attempt to push the game into the past but was important to preserve the essence of it.

The superstars of the game are at Augusta National this week for the Masters 2026, which begins on Thursday, April 9. Ahead of the main event, Fred Ridley gave a traditional speech and held a press conference. He touched upon the hot topic of golf rollback, which is currently proposed to be implemented from 2028 onwards for pro golfers.

While starting the presser, Fred Ridley spoke about the rollback and ball-hitting distance.

“We have been consistent in our support of the governing bodies in their effort to regulate the distance elite players are hitting the golf ball,” he said. “Recognizing that the implementation of the Overall Distance Standard test for golf balls may be delayed to 2030, I want to reemphasize that support and affirm our position as the USGA and R&A represent their collective obligation as custodians of the game.”

“I also want to be clear that our position is grounded on much more than protecting the Augusta National golf course. We will continue to make modifications as are necessary to react to driving distances that in some cases exceed 350 yards. Unfortunately, many courses, including some iconic venues, do not have that option,” he added.

The Masters chairman said that the game had become one-dimensional as players were hitting mammoth distances and then using short irons into par 4s as well as par 5s. He added that increasing course length wasn’t a great option considering the cost and environmental impact.

“The data that has been shared with all stakeholders makes one thing clear: The impact to the recreational game will be immaterial,” he continued. “All of us in this room and millions of weekend golfers around the world will be hard-pressed to notice the effects of this change, and I do not believe our enjoyment of the game will be affected.”

Fred Ridley added that greats were not defined by hitting distance but by their all-around skills in the game, such as shaping shots, risk-taking ability and performance under pressure.

“Regulation of the golf ball is not an attempt to turn back time or stifle progress. It is an effort to preserve the essence of what makes golf the great game that it is,” he said.

“Failure’s not an option,” Masters Chairman Fred Ridley says more organisation on same page for golf rollback

During the press conference, Fred Ridley shared that the majority of organizations agreed to the USGA and R&A’s golf rollback proposal.

“My feeling on this subject is failure’s not an option,” he said. “I think we need to continue to work together to come to some agreement. Tough issues like this require compromise, and I think there has been some compromise to date.

Fred Ridely accepted that there were few commercial interests at play, but the motive was to protect the integrity of the game.

Under the new rule, a golf ball struck at a robot-controlled speed of 125 mph must not travel beyond 317 yards to remain conforming. There have been changes in testing standards too, such as the spin rate reduced from 2520 rpm to 2200 rpm and the launch angle increased from 10 to 11 degrees.