• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

U.S. Open Architect Sees Value in Controversial Rule Change

  • Gil Hanse is a proponent of the USGA’s proposed rollback of golf ball distance.
  • The golf architect helped restore Los Angeles Country Club to its 1921 design.
Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele shot U.S. Open-record 62s on Thursday at Los Angeles Country Club’s North Course as golfers shifted their focus from the sport’s recent turmoil to the third major championship of the season.

“It’s going to test every facet of their game,” renowned golf architect Gil Hanse told Front Office Sports as he walked the course he helped restore closer to its original design by George C. Thomas, Jr. in 1921.

Hanse’s project was completed in 2010 as part of the $60 million-plus LACC spent on its two courses, which helped the club secure this major championship and the 2039 edition. 

“By and large, this is still the same course,” said Hanse, who is also leading a $15 million renovation of a local par-3 municipal golf course, Maggie Hathaway alongside the USGA.

The architect hopes this week’s action makes others think twice about vast course renovations that resort to building new holes or simply adding length.

“We’re starting to see … that all these great classic courses were restored versus updated (or) renovated,” said Hanse, who has also done restoration work at recent U.S. Open venues Winged Foot and The Country Club of Brookline.

Ball Questions

Before the shock PGA Tour-Saudi Arabia merger, the USGA’s proposal to roll back golf-ball technology was set to be the biggest storyline this week, and many pros still expressed their opposition. But Hanse agrees with the change, which would make the ball fly about 30 yards shorter for professionals. 

“There’s definitely a knock-on effect that the distance has had,” Hanse said, noting the vast expenses it takes to build and maintain longer courses. 

There’s also the environmental aspect of water conservation, which becomes more difficult as a property grows larger. “That’s ultimately the most successful argument,” Hanse said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Gauff, Pegula Out at Wimbledon in Nightmare Start for American Women, ESPN

Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula were ranked Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, entering Wimbledon.

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.

New Philadelphia Arena Was Key to City’s Successful WNBA Bid

The forthcoming team will play in a new arena in South Philadelphia.

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

NBA Salary Cap Up 7% in 2026–27, but Teams Expected More

The 2026–27 salary cap is projected at $165 million.
Rob Manfred, Commissioner of the MLB, speaks to the media during Cactus League media day at the Arizona Biltmore on Feb. 18, 2025, in Phoenix.
June 30, 2025

Manfred, MLB Owners Pitch Directly to Players Ahead of CBA Expiration

Owners see a disconnect between union leadership and individual players.
July 1, 2025

Bobby Bonilla On Annual $1.2M Payday: ‘It Doesn’t Suck’

The former MLB star receives another $1.19 million from the Mets today.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Nov 16, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang celebrates during a team celebration lap after the playoff semifinal match against NJ/NY Gotham FC at Audi Field.
June 30, 2025

Michele Kang to Lead Lyon As UEFA Delays Multi-Club Ownership Ruling

Lyon’s Europa League fate remains unclear as Michele Kang replaces John Textor.
Jun 10, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins (81) participates in a drill during an NFL football minicamp at NRG Stadium.
June 30, 2025

30 of 32 NFL Second-Round Draft Picks Remain Unsigned

Some rookie training camps start in under two weeks.
June 30, 2025

NHL Free Agency Begins With Big Money but Modest Star Power

Teams will look to take advantage of an enlarged salary cap.
Jul 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The WNBA logo on the court at Crypto.com Arena.
June 30, 2025

WNBA Lays Out Plans to Expand to 18 Teams

Each team paid a $250 million expansion fee.