In order for The R&A to render a formal ruling on a new model of golf club, a sample needs to be submitted for examination, accompanied by a fully completed Golf Club Submission Form and Payment Form. A copy of these two Forms can be downloaded from the Submissions Resources page.
Sample
The sample can come in any of the following forms:
Production sample
First Article sample (from a pre-Production run)
Prototype
Mock-up
Test Service
Submission Form
The 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 club. If the club 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 Form
There is a testing fee associated with all submissions of Production samples. Where 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. Moreover, there is not normally a charge for the following:
Submissions of mock-ups
First Article and Prototype samples
Test Services
Golf Club and Other Equipment Submissions
Introduction
What to Submit
Where to Submit
General Submission Procedures
Other Submission Details
Test Service
Clubhead Markings
The List of Conforming Driver Heads
Equipment Database
Iron Sets
Fee Structure
Notification Procedure
Appendix I - Convention for the Request of Additional Samples
Appendix II - Golf Club Marketplace Sampling Procedure
Club Sampling Procedure
Sampling Plan Details
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.