Opening Golf to the World
Other Equipment Submissions
In order for The R&A to render a formal ruling on a new model of golf club(including grips and shaft), a sample must be submitted for examination, accompanied by a fully completed Golf Club Submission Form and the applicable payment. The Forms can be accessed via the Online Submission App.
Sample
The sample can come in any of the following forms:- Production sample
- First Article sample (from a pre-Production run)
- Prototype
- Mock-up
Online Submission Form
The Online Submission Form should include all necessary explanations regarding the intended method of use, the 'intent' of the design and any claims that may be made in the marketing of the equipment. If the equipment is designed to be adjustable, there should be a clear explanation as to how the adjustment mechanism works and a sample of the appropriate tool must also be submitted.Payment
With the exception of Informal Submissions, a testing fee associated with all other submissions is applicable. Submissions will not be processed until payment has been received.Informal Submissions
In the absence of a sample, informal opinions can sometimes be given based on photographs, drawings or descriptions. However, this depends on the nature of the design. There is no charge for this service.Test Option | Payment required? | Submission Description | Conformance Decision given | Informal opinion/ guidance given |
Production model | YES | Production model samples are finished articles that would be an exact representation of the model produced for use or sale. | YES | NO |
First Article sample | YES | Classed as a pre-production sample, all properties would be finalised, and the sample would be representative of the proposed mass production sample. | NO | YES |
Prototype | YES | A prototype is an early model of a product that focuses on functionality and gives a realistic representation of the final version. | NO | YES |
Mock up/Informal Submission | NO | A mock up would usually be a drawing(s), high resolution images or non-functional model that showcases how the finished product will look. This may be accompanied by an explanation of the production process or finishes. | NO | YES |
Other Equipment Submissions
Rules
Rules of Golf Resources
The Rules of Golf are comprehensive and provide answers to the many issues that arise in a game that is played worldwide on many different types of courses by players of all abilities.