Spring-like effect of driving clubs of 15 degrees or less would be updated utilizing a new method and a portable tester in 2004, according to a joint proposal by the U.S. Golf Association and Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. As stated last August, the two organizations had committed to finding a new and simpler test method as quickly as possible. The status of driving clubs previously ruled conforming wouldn't be changed using the new test. If adopted, the new test method would become effective Jan. 1, 2004. Comments from manufacturers are welcomed by the USGA until April 25. Golf's two rule-making bodies are proposing to test for spring-like effect in driving clubs with a patent-pending Pendulum Tester that will be easier to administer than the current method that can only be performed at the USGA's Research and Test Center. The new testing method--designed by USGA engineer Matt Pringle--would not require a club to be disassembled as the current test does, and would take only several minutes. "The test has some advantages over the method being used, primarily that it is non-intrusive," said David Fay, the USGA's executive director. "We don't have to take a club apart to test it. It's also portable, faster and more accurate." The new test will require only a low-speed strike to the clubface by a small weight on a pendulum. The device will measure the contact time of the collision--or characteristic time, as the term will be called--between the two objects. The spring-like effect will be based on a club's characteristic time. The limit in characteristic time very closely correlates to the current spring-like effect of .83 in the coefficient of restitution measurement. The USGA has no plans to use it to measure COR on individual pros' clubs at the U.S. Open, said Marty Parkes, the USGA's senior director, communications. Bob Combs, senior VP, PR and communications for the PGA Tour, added that, presuming the proposal was adopted, the tour would make the testing device available for use at tournaments, but that "our plans are not to do random or mandatory testing. As every player knows, they alone are responsible for making sure their equipment is conforming." He added that having the test on site would be similar to a service that the tour provides currently for measuring grooves on players' clubs to make sure they conform to the Rules of Golf. -- Thanks! John Muir http://clubmaker-online.com http://gripscience.com http://tourpure.com 810.220.4918
