Ref:  IB.SLE              3^rd May 2000

TO:   ALL MANUFACTURERS

Further to my previous memoranda on this issue (dated 30^th June 1998, 18^th September 1998, 31^st March 1999 and 11^th June 1999), the purpose of this Notice is to update you on the research programme at the University of Birmingham into the club/ball impact process, to explain our conclusions to-date on this issue and to advise you of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s (“R&A’s”) proposed test procedure.

Firstly, it is perhaps worth clarifying that the “spring-like” effect issue concerns the proper interpretation of the Rule (Appendix II, 5a) which states:

“The material and construction of, or any treatment to, the face or clubhead shall not have the effect at impact of a spring (test on file), or impart significantly more spin to the ball than a standard steel face, or have any other effect which would unduly influence the movement of the ball.”

The Research Programme

The R&A’s programme of research, conducted by a multi-disciplinary group involving the Physics, Applied Mathematics and Advance Material Science departments at the University of Birmingham, is essentially complete.   The study of the club/ball impact process involved both ultrasonic analysis and advanced mathematical modelling techniques, together with a comprehensive metallurgical study, in an effort to better quantify behaviour at impact in terms of the physical properties of the club and the ball.   The research project concentrated on these issues, using available data and technical information.   The successful completion of this project has given us a much greater understanding of the complex impact process.   It has also given us important information regarding club design.   Most importantly, it has provided information on those aspects of modern club construction which influence the club/ball impact process in a significantly different manner when compared to traditional non metal clubs.

Conclusions To-Date

The R&A’s Implements and Ball Committee has considered the research team’s findings including an assessment of the effect of further developments in clubhead design and construction and it has been decided that regulation, in the form of a test procedure, is required.

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Of principal concern, it has been determined that without any regulation in this area, performance enhancements due to equipment alone could result in golfers gaining significant increases in driving distances.   Such distance gains are not considered to be in the best long-term interests of the game, especially when added to other factors which enable modern golfers to hit the ball further than their predecessors (such as improved physique, fitness, coaching, course preparation, etc.).

The R&A’s research programme has also indicated that much of the enhanced performance (increased driving distance), assuming good design and manufacture, is the result of flexing (due to thinning of the face, crown or sole - or some combination of these) in modern hollow metal woods.   The components of some modern clubs are now so thin that light, high density foam is inserted into the clubhead to add durability.   It should also be remembered that the Rules require the face of the club to be “hard and rigid” (Appendix II,5a) and that all parts of the clubhead must be “rigid” (Appendix II,4a).

Accordingly, it is proposed that by regulating the thickness of the component parts of the clubhead, a simple and effective test can be developed and implemented.

Proposed R&A Test Protocol

The principle of the proposed R&A test protocol is to place minimum thickness limits on the clubhead’s face, crown and sole.   These can be measured by a commercially available, hand-held ultrasonic measurement device which when coupled to a personal computer, will produce a picture of the strata of each component at a certain location (e.g. including the thickness of the paint (or lacquer) and any pores).

The exact numerical thickness limits are the subject of continuing refinement by the research team at the University of Birmingham.   This refinement work will take approximately 8 weeks, during which time we would invite all interested persons to provide a written submission concerning this proposal.

If you do decide to make a submission, please submit it to the R&A’s offices in St Andrews, marked for my attention, as soon as possible, but no later than the close of business on Friday 23^rd June 2000.  

Once the refinement work is completed, the proposed test protocol, together with all written submissions, will be reviewed by the relevant Committees of the R&A.   It is currently anticipated that a further Notice to Manufacturers will be issued in July, inviting comments on the detailed protocol (to be received by early September).   An implementation date of 1^st October 2000 is being considered.

The R&A is conscious that this proposed test protocol is different to that adopted by the United States Golf Association in November 1998 and mindful of the widespread support manufacturers have for uniformity in equipment regulation.   These issues will be borne in mind during our continued deliberations over the coming months.

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The R&A is conscious that this proposed test protocol is different to that adopted by the United States Golf Association in November 1998 and mindful of the widespread support manufacturers have for uniformity in equipment regulation.   These issues will be borne in mind during our continued deliberations over the coming months.

With regard to the current situation it is perhaps worth confirming that as yet the R&A has not introduced any test and no rulings (conforming or otherwise) have been given on any submissions of hollow metal woodheads with 15 degrees of loft or less since commencing its independent research (i.e. January 1999).

As stated in previous Notices, we are most grateful for the level of cooperation that we have received from Manufacturers during the period of our research.   I would also reiterate that  we remain committed to establishing a fair and reasonable test protocol that serves the long-term interests of the game.  

If you have any questions that require immediate consideration, please let me know.

Yours sincerely

DAVID RICKMAN

Rules Secretary