USGA und R&A

[Moderator]

Angesichts solcher Überlegungen drängt sich bei mir der Verdacht auf, dass sich manche Institutionen die Existenzgrundlage selbst schaffen wollen:


PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE MAXIMUM LENGTH FOR CLUBS OTHER THAN PUTTERS

On 17 December 2014, The R&A and the USGA issued an Area of Interest Notice, alerting manufacturers that The R&A and USGA
were initiating an investigation on the topic of club length. In addition to further quantifying the driver club lengths
used by players of all abilities, the research investigated the potential effect of increases in club length beyond those
typically used today, and considered whether the current maximum length of 48 inches, for clubs other than putters,
is still appropriate.

Based on the data collected to date from both professional (>600 players) and recreational golfers (~400
players) worldwide, we have determined that only a small fraction of golfers at any level (1.1% of professional
and 2.1% of recreational golfers) currently use drivers in excess of 46.5 inches. Furthermore, our research
demonstrated that increasing driver length from 46.5 inches to the current limit of 48 inches could result in a
distance increase of as much as 6 yards.

The Joint Statement of Principles provides that “any further significant increases in hitting distances at the highest
level are undesirable”. In keeping with this principle, we believe that it is in the best interest of the game to
reduce the current maximum allowable length of clubs (other than putter
s) and eliminate the possibility that players could migrate to longer clubs in the future.
Therefore, in accordance with the Equipment Rulemaking procedures adopted in November 2011,
The R&A and USGA propose a reduction in the maximum length of clubs (other than putters), as noted in Appendix II, 1c
of the Rules of Golf, from the current maximum length of 48 inches to 46 inches. To account for variations in
grip designs, a tolerance of 0.5 inches will be associated with this measurement. The measurement w
ill continue to be made using the protocol described within the Rules of Golf (Appendix II, 1c).
In addition, the guideline will remain in effect authorising local committees to permit the use of clubs longer than
the maximum length allowed, provided that there is evidence of a medical or physical need for the player to use
such clubs and that the shortest club carried by the player is no more than 10 inches
shorter than his or her longest club, not including the putter.

[akay]

Angesichts solcher Überlegungen drängt sich bei mir der Verdacht auf, dass sich manche Institutionen die Existenzgrundlage selbst schaffen wollen:


PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE MAXIMUM LENGTH FOR CLUBS OTHER THAN PUTTERS

...

Ja, das ist nicht nur im Golfsport so. Die Auswüchse sind hier noch relativ harmlos im Vergleich zu Industrie- und politischen Verbänden. Man verschliesst sich hier ja "nur" neuen Ideen und Technologien. Wenn dereinst Schlägerschäfte aus Nanokohlenstoffröhrchen Schaftlängen von 50" und mehr spielbar machen werden, müssen halt ein paar ergraute Golfeminenzen vom technischen Fortschritt überzeugt werden. Dauert ein paar Jahre, tut aber niemandem wirklich weh. Den Spaß am Golfsport verderben mir persönlich eher die Rahmenbedingungen in den Clubs, wie z.B. Trödelflights mit 6 Stunden und anderes mehr.