Golf's rule-makers the R&A and the United States Golf Association have unofficially agreed on a piece of portable kit, which they hope will be able to test the legality of drivers at professional tournaments.
Average driving distances of over 320 yards are being achieved by dozens of players at certain tournaments, attracting comments that clubs are still too 'hot', balls travelling too far and 7,500-yards courses are being overwhelmed.
Fitted into a small suitcase the Pendulum Test device will carry a small weight which, when bounced on a clubface - a bit like one of those executive toys - will identify if the trampoline effect is legal or not.
Currently a clubface has to be taken apart at the USGA Research and Test Centre to be measured accurately, leading to claims by one top pro that some PGA Tour players are submitting one club and using another in competition.
"They send one club in to get it tested, then come out with another club with a little more pop,'' David Toms has reputedly alleged. "They're all pushing the envelope.''
If approved, the test would be effective at the start of next year and include all clubs including 3-woods, upto 15 degrees.
So how will it effect Mr and Mrs Average golfer? Not at all at present as there are no plans to use the portable test at even leading amateur championships.
However, 'hot' drivers that exceed a COR (Coefficient of Restitution) limit of 0.83 are due to be outlawed from January 1, 2008 for all golfers in competitive play, by which time the goalposts for 'maximum golf ball velocity' may well have been standardised instead.
*What do you think? Should drivers be limited, golf ball distances reduced or golf courses lengthened or tightened to cope with new technology? Tell us on the Forum.
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