TaylorMade's r7 driver was a pioneer in moveable weight technology
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A new Rule, allowing manufacturers to create adjustable parts for golf equipment, other than weights, is to be introduced by the R&A from January 1, 2008.
Currently moveable weight technology is a key area for equipment makers to seek adaptability in clubs (TaylorMade was among the pioneers with its r7 drivers) and following discussions, additional forms of club adjustability, will be allowed, subject to advance approval. Adjustments to equipment during a round will continue to be disallowed.
The new Rules coincide with the introduction of restrictions on face flexibility on drivers - effectively outlawing clubs that
don't conform to new COR regulations for all competitions at local level.
"We believe that the Rule change regarding club adjustability will create opportunities for both manufacturers and golfers alike, without diminishing the challenge of the game," says David Rickman, R&A Director of Rules and Equipment Standards.
"Top professional golfers 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 wished. By changing the Rules to permit greater club adjustability, all golfers will have the opportunity to enjoy similar fitting benefits," he says.
The new Rule will state:
"All clubs may incorporate mechanisms for weight adjustment. Other forms of adjustability may also be permitted upon evaluation by the R&A.
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)"
2. There is no change to the Rules for putters, which are already permitted to incorporate other forms of adjustability as well as for weight (including hosel amendment and alignment aids in the head, shaft sleeves).
Tell us on the forum what you think will be introduced to take advantage of this new Rule. Are we talking alignment aids, adjustable hosels, sole plates, replacement faces and grooves?
