Adjustable Club Ruling Discussed at PGA Show

In front of a standing-room-only audience of PGA professionals, golf retailers, media, equipment buyers and golf business executives, seven of the industry's leading equipment experts gathered at the 55th PGA Merchandise Show to address the 2008 adjustable club equipment ruling that could shape the game for decades.

The panel included: Dick Rugge, Technical Director, United States Golf Association (USGA); John K Solheim, Vice President of Engineering, PING Golf Equipment; Jeff Colton, Senior Vice President of Research & Development, Callaway Golf; John Hoeflich, Senior Vice President, Nickent Golf; Graeme Horwood, Vice President, Engineering, Research & Development, True Temper Sports; Ken Morton, Sr., Owner, Haggin Oaks Golf Complex; and Ed Mitchell, President & CEO, Mitchell Golf.

The group addressed how adjustable clubs will impact golf equipment manufacturing, retail sales and the overall golfer experience. Based on the new change to the Rules of Golf, the USGA now allows for a golf club to be adjustable beyond traditional weight adjustment. The decision introduces such new options as diverse club-fitting options, interchangeable golf shafts, and club-matching to address different playing conditions.

"The significance of the adjustable club ruling is that it gives the average player the opportunity to enjoy the same benefits as Tour players enjoy," said Rugge.

"I see this ruling as a tremendous benefit," said Colton. "It allows the golfer to optimize equipment every time he sets foot on the golf course. The driver is no longer a static piece of equipment."