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R&A bans `hot` drivers
UK, Oct 01: Golf`s governing body in Britain is limiting the spring-like effect on drivers at next year`s Open Championship to bring it in line with the other three majors.
UK, Oct 01: Golf's governing body in Britain is limiting the spring-like effect on drivers at next year's Open Championship to bring it in line with the other three majors.
The Royal and Ancient has introduced a "coefficient of restitution" - how quickly the ball springs from the clubface - to limit the distance a ball can travel.
The coefficient of 0.83, which is the same set by the USGA, does not apply to the British Amateur championship or any other amateur events.
The R&A insists the move is designed to achieve uniformity in rules worldwide.
And it will help curb the advancement of technology in golf equipment which is producing prodigious distances and threatening the shot-making traditions of the game.
"This is an important step towards achieving a return to uniformity in the equipment rules at the highest level," said R&A secretary Peter Dawson.
The R&A makes the rules of golf for everywhere in the world except the United States and Mexico, which fall under the jurisdiction of the USGA.
Previously, players could use so-called "hot drivers" - with a high spring-like effect - at the Open Championship or World Golf Championships held overseas.
But they were banned on the PGA Tour and at the three American majors - the Masters, US Open and PGA Championship.
The Open Championship will be played at Royal St Georges, Sandwich, England between 17-20 July.
Bureau Report
The coefficient of 0.83, which is the same set by the USGA, does not apply to the British Amateur championship or any other amateur events.
The R&A insists the move is designed to achieve uniformity in rules worldwide.
And it will help curb the advancement of technology in golf equipment which is producing prodigious distances and threatening the shot-making traditions of the game.
"This is an important step towards achieving a return to uniformity in the equipment rules at the highest level," said R&A secretary Peter Dawson.
The R&A makes the rules of golf for everywhere in the world except the United States and Mexico, which fall under the jurisdiction of the USGA.
Previously, players could use so-called "hot drivers" - with a high spring-like effect - at the Open Championship or World Golf Championships held overseas.
But they were banned on the PGA Tour and at the three American majors - the Masters, US Open and PGA Championship.
The Open Championship will be played at Royal St Georges, Sandwich, England between 17-20 July.
Bureau Report