LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Whether a padded golf glove should be accepted by the sport's governing body is the subject of a lawsuit filed by the glove's maker, the company that also makes Louisville Slugger baseball bats.
Hillerich & Bradsby Co. said in its lawsuit that the United States Golf Association rejected the Bionic Golf Glove because its padding doesn't conform to a rule allowing only "plain" gloves.
The Louisville company's lawsuit said the glove does play by the rules and that other similar gloves have received USGA approval.
Association approval is "a necessary prerequisite for a successful golf accessory product in the marketplace," the lawsuit contends, and without it, retailers won't stock the $25 glove, golfers won't buy it and professionals can't wear the glove in competition or endorse it.
The lawsuit over the glove -- designed by hand surgeon Dr. Jim Kleinert of Louisville and promoted for its ergonomic, high-tech features -- was filed last week in U.S. District Court.
H&B accuses the USGA of arbitrarily rejecting the Bionic Golf Glove, violating federal antitrust laws, prohibiting competition and innovation in the marketplace and damaging its business prospects and reputation. Its suit seeks unspecified damages.
H&B officials declined to be interviewed, but the company issued a statement saying it hopes for an "amicable resolution."
The Equipment Standards Committee of the USGA -- golf's exclusive governing body in the United States and Mexico -- is considering an appeal from H&B on whether to approve the glove, said USGA Senior Director of Communications Marty Parkes in Far Hills, N.J. It is the company's fourth attempt to win association approval since June 2000, according to the lawsuit.
"We have not issued a final ruling through the appeal process," Parkes said, adding the USGA was a "little surprised and puzzled" by the timing of the suit.
Otherwise, Parkes said the association has not reviewed the suit and couldn't comment on its specifics.
H&B said in the suit that the USGA had in effect rejected the Bionic Golf Glove.
Parkes said USGA product approval decisions are guided by a "joint statement of principles" with the Royal & Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland, which governs golf in other parts of the world. The principles emphasize skill rather than technological advances.
H&B began promoting its glove nearly a year ago, awaiting the USGA's ruling.
Company literature said the glove's "patented anatomical and ergonomic design equips golfers with comfort, control, confidence and durability" and can aid golfers with arthritis or diseased hands.
Kleinert was quoted in one promotional release as saying the pads "are a key feature because they fill in the valleys of the fingers to give the golfer better contact with the club grip."
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