Far Hills, N.J. – A proposed amendment to the 2008 Rules of Golf regarding additional forms of club adjustability has been approved by the USGA. Any such adjustment(s), however, cannot be made during a stipulated round. All new forms of iron and wood adjustability must be approved in advance by the USGA.
The Rules of Golf currently state that woods and irons must not be designed to be adjustable, except for weight. In March 2005, the USGA first indicated an interest in allowing more types of adjustable features on woods and irons and on Feb. 27, 2007, the USGA published a proposed Rule change.
The USGA decided to adopt the proposal after consideration of comments from manufacturers and other interested parties. The USGA believes the changes regarding adjustability can help many golfers obtain clubs that are well suited to their needs. There is no change to the Rules regarding putters, which already allow weight and other forms of adjustment.
"We believe that helping average golfers without taking away from the challenge of the game is a good thing for golf," said Dick Rugge, USGA senior technical director.
"PGA Tour players have long had the opportunity to have their clubs adjusted or modified quickly and often. This has allowed them to fit their clubs to their swings as they feel the need to do so. By relaxing the rules to permit club adjustability, average golfers can enjoy similar fitting benefits."
Any questions regarding the change to the rules governing adjustability of clubs 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.
Contact:
Craig Smith (csmith@usga.org)
Web address: www.usga.org
USGA phone: (908) 234-2300