Non-Conforming Drivers
Imagine swinging a driver that gives your swing an added kick with a flexible head. The pop gives you greater distance with a shot, much like a hollow bat gives a baseball player the ability to hit a home run. Drivers that are not legal allow a spring action when hitting the ball. The USGA calls this spring measurement the coefficient of restitution (COR). The USGA measures COR with a test that measures the amount of bounce off the clubhead.
Not Legal for Official Play
Non-conforming drivers cannot be used during any sanctioned event on the PGA, LPGA, Nationwide or Champions Tour. In addition, the American Junior Golf Association follows guidelines and rules identical to the USGA regarding non-legal golf clubs. Rules prevent the use of these drivers at any USGA-governed event--the penalty for using a non-conforming club is disqualification. The USGA only evaluates clubs for tournaments in the United States. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews has been following the same procedures for conformity as the USGA since the revamping of the Rules of Gulf in 2008.
USGA List
The USGA publishes a list updated every Monday. It contains club names and manufacturers as well as identifying marks on the club itself and contains pictures of each to help users identify non-conforming clubs. Please note this list applies only to clubs used in events played by USGA rules. See additional resources for the USGA listing of golf club drivers that are not legal.
About The Author
S.F. Heron is an avid gardener with three years of experience in online writing and a working background in aviation and earth and ocean sciences. She is published on various sites, including Helium, eHow and Xomba. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Maryland.
