GOUGE: You probably may have missed this but the USGA and R&A went ahead with implementing the proposed rule that relaxes the restrictions on clubhead adjustability. They sent word to manufacturers today that the rule will go into effect starting Jan. 1, 2008. Not sure what it means and some of the manufacturers I've talked to aren't sure what it means either. Not that they don't know what adjustability is, but the rule doesn't make clear what kinds of adjustability are OK. USGA Senior Technical Director Dick Rugge is keeping the door open on this one, saying it really is a rule designed to help average golfers. But we all know that door is a swinging door, and is apt to close when you least expect it. So manufacturers need to be pretty buttoned up (read: show the USGA and R&A all your cards fairly early in the process) before committing serious resources to an adjustable clubhead design idea. Maybe clubhead adjustability will be a boon to us all, but I don't see it. I can't use the 14 clubs I carry now. If I get more options, it only makes it harder for me to decide which driver I'm going to top off of No. 2 tee today.
Here's the official language, if you're interested:
August 22, 2007
Notice To Manufacturers
Club Adjustability Rule Amendment
The proposal to amend the USGA Rules to permit additional forms of club adjustability dated February 26, 2007, has been approved for implementation by the USGA Equipment Standards and Executive Committees. The new Rule regarding club adjustability allowances will become effective on January 1, 2008, as originally proposed. There is no change to putter rules which already allow additional forms of adjustment.
After consideration of all comments received concerning this proposal, the USGA believes that permitting additional forms of club adjustment will help many golfers obtain clubs that are better suited to their needs.
The new Rule will state the following: (Appendix II, 1.b. Adjustability).
“All clubs may incorporate mechanisms for weight adjustment. Other forms of adjustability may also be permitted upon evaluation by the USGA.
The following requirements apply to all permissible methods of adjustment:
(i) the adjustment cannot be readily made;
(ii) all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no reasonable likelihood of them working loose during a round; and
(iii) all configurations of adjustment conform with the Rules.
During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means (see Rule 4-2a)”
Further clarifications:
1. No adjustment may be made during a stipulated round.
2. It should not be assumed that any and all adjustable features will be considered conforming by the USGA.
3. A manufacturer should communicate its adjustable feature concept to the USGA as early as possible, before beginning any volume production. A manufacturer should then submit to the USGA a sample of the club which is to be manufactured, for a ruling as to whether the club conforms with the Rules. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the club, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that the club does not conform with the Rules.
Implementation:
As previously stated, this rule change will become effective on January 1, 2008. However, manufacturers may submit product samples to the USGA for evaluation of conformance to the new Rule at any time.
Any questions about this change to the rules governing adjustability should be sent to the USGA, attention Dick Rugge, P.O. Box 708, Far Hills, NJ 07931, Fax 908-234-0138, e-mail: drugge@usga.org
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