The R&A announces new golf club rules

The new Rules, which relate to club face grooves, are the culmination of an extensive collaborative research project between The R&A and the United States Golf Association. This research shows that modern groove configurations can allow players to generate almost as much spin from the rough as is available from the fairway, resulting in a reduction in the value of accuracy.

Our research has involved input from both Governing Bodies, including substantial laboratory work and player testing at all levels around the world, said Dr Stephen Otto, The R&A s Director of Research and Testing.

Contributions from golf club manufacturers in particular have been considerable and they have welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the process.

The revised Rules will significantly increase the spin differential between shots from the fairway and shots from the rough.

The new Rules will augment the existing limitations on grooves and will affect all clubs (with the exception of drivers and putters), with the new regulations limiting groove volume and groove edge sharpness. Essentially, larger volume grooves have the ability to channel away more material, such as water or grass, similar to the tread on car tyres. At the same time, sharper groove edges facilitate a better contact between club and ball, even in the presence of debris.

Both new regulations will apply to golf clubs with lofts greater than or equal to 25 degrees (generally a standard 5-iron and above) with only the rule limiting groove volume applying to clubs of lesser loft.

The Rules will apply to all clubs manufactured after 1 January 2010. Clubs manufactured prior to this date, which meet the current regulations, will continue to be regarded as conforming under the Rules of Golf until at least 2024.

It is intended that the new Rules will be introduced as a Condition of Competition at top professional level from 1 January 2010 and at top amateur level and in other professional events from 1 January 2014. The R&A and the USGA will introduce such a Condition of Competition at their respective championships in accordance with this schedule. The world s top professional tours for both men and women, and the organisers of golf s major championships, have all indicated their support for the new groove regulations and their intention to implement the Condition of Competition in 2010.

We believe that this rule change is necessary to reinforce the importance of accuracy at the highest levels of the game. However, beyond that the new Rules will be phased in very gradually, said David Rickman, The R&A s Director of Rules and Equipment Standards.

The vast majority of the golfing public will enjoy many years use of their existing equipment within the Rules and this, of course, will also apply to any purchases they make from manufacturers existing model ranges.