R&A announces a new rule expanding the adjustability of woods and irons

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland -- The Royal & Ancient Golf Club has announced a change to the Rules of Golf regarding additional forms of club adjustability, effective Jan. 1, 2008. All new forms of adjustability must be approved in advance by the R&A, and adjustments during a round will remain illegal.

The Rules of Golf currently state that woods and irons must not be designed to be adjustable, except for weight. In March 2005, the R&A indicated an interest in allowing more types of adjustable features on woods and irons, and in February published a proposed Rule change for review and comment.

"We believe that the Rule change regarding club adjustability will create opportunities for both manufacturers and golfers alike, without diminishing the challenge of the game," said David Rickman, R&A Director of Rules and Equipment Standards.

"Top professional golfers have long had the opportunity to have their clubs adjusted or modified quickly and often. This has allowed them to fit their clubs to their swings as they wished," Rickman added. "By changing the Rules to permit greater club adjustability, all golfers will have the opportunity to enjoy similar fitting benefits."

The R&A is golf's world rules and development body, and operates with the consent of more than 130 national and international, amateur and professional organisations, from over 120 countries and on behalf of an estimated 30 million golfers in Europe, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas (outside the United States and Mexico). The U.S. Golf Association is the game's governing body in the United States and Mexico.

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