Notice To Manufacturers

Proposed Limitation of Clubhead Size and Club Length

The USGA has received submissions of drivers for conformance rulings that show a rapid increase of head size.  The USGA has determined that excessively sized clubheads do not conform to the Rule of Golf appearing in Appendix II,

par. 1a., which states that "The club shall not be substantially different from the traditional and customary form and make."

The USGA invites comments from interested golf club manufacturers, golf associations and other entities regarding the establishment of a limitation on the size of a golf clubhead of 385 cc's.

Some clubs above this limit have already been submitted for approval.  A limited number have been approved previously, while other clubs have not been ruled upon to date.  The USGA will not make a final determination about the status of these clubs until all comments from interested parties have been received and duly considered.  The USGA recognizes that a lengthy period
without receiving a ruling is objectionable to club manufacturers, but believes that no action should occur until a final position is determined, and will therefore expedite this process as much as possible. 

Written comments regarding the proposed clubhead size limit should be sent to the USGA, attention Dick Rugge, Senior Technical Director, P.O. Box 708, Far Hills, NJ  07931, Fax 908-234-0138, e-mail: drugge@usga.org.   Written comments received later than February 19, 2002, will not be considered.

In addition, the USGA has decided that it is also appropriate to place a limit on club length. The USGA has determined that excessively long clubs (other than putters) do not conform to the Rule of Golf appearing in Appendix II, par. 1a., which states that "The club shall not be substantially different from the traditional and customary form and make."

It is proposed that a limit of 47 inches be implemented on clubs other than putters.  Written comments regarding the proposed club length limit should be sent to the USGA, attention Dick Rugge.

Details of the Proposed Limitations

Head Size

·   The clubhead can displace no more than 385 cc's of volume.  

·   Measurements will be done using the weighed water displacement method.  Hosel volume will not be considered.  This method is commonly used throughout the golf club manufacturing industry.  The USGA will publish the method. 

·   Unusual shapes that are created to circumvent the intent of this limit by reducing the amount of water displaced while enlarging the overall projected head size will be evaluated on an individual basis.  

·   Clubhead markings that indicate the size to be greater than 385 cc's will be considered non-conforming regardless of actual measurement.

·   Limits to face or other clubhead dimensions may be included at a later date.

·   Clubhead size limit will be put in place and conformance rulings made as soon as possible after comments have been received and evaluated. 


Club Length

·   Overall club length on clubs other than putters will be limited to 47 inches maximum.

·   Measurement will be made along the axis of the shaft from the end of the butt end of the grip to a point where the continuation of the centerline of the shaft would intersect the ground while the club is held in its normal address position.   

·   The proposed rule will be finalized and, if adopted, it will be added to the rulebook in January 2004.  Until that time, current rules will apply –no limitation on the maximum length of a club.