Golf's prominent long hitters may experience a reduction of approximately 15 yards in the distance their tee shots can travel, following rule changes announced by the R&A and United States Golf Association. The alterations to ball specifications will impact all players, with recreational golfers, who generally lack the rapid swing speeds of professionals, expected to see a more modest reduction of fewer than five yards on their longest shots. The decision to limit hitting distances has been met with opposition from golf manufacturers and leading tours during an extended period of consultation.