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Information
Principles and Procedures
In a historical context, the game of golf has seen progressive developments in the clubs and balls available to golfers who, through almost six centuries, have sought to improve the playing performance of their equipment. In a written 'statement of principles' published jointly by The R&A and the USGA, it was acknowledged that "History has proved that it is impossible to foresee the developments in golf equipment which advancing technology will deliver". Equipment Rule Making Procedures Joint Statement of Principles
Equipment Submissions
Playing to the Rules of Golf does not just involve making sure the ball is dropped in the correct place, or that the correct penalty is applied for a specific infringement. The Rules also require that the equipment being used is “conforming” to certain specifications. To help try and prevent non-conforming equipment from appearing in the marketplace or from being used, The R&A offers an equipment testing and evaluation service to manufacturers and advice and guidance is also available to players.Guidance on what to submit
Manufacturers are encouraged to submit samples of their new designs as early as possible in the development process, but the procedures vary slightly depending on the product type. Explore the panels above/below to find out more about the submission procedures for golf clubs, balls and other equipment.Equipment
Notices and Announcements
Keep up-to-date with our dedicated Equipment Notices and Announcements page, consisting of information such as Distance Insights Reports and club length updates.
Test Protocols
Given the complexity of some of the tests used to evaluate equipment for conformance to the Rules of Golf, the following protocols are available, describing how they are conducted. This is to encourage a better understanding of the measurement techniques, which can be replicated by manufacturers during the development of their new products, to ensure that they do not exceed any limits.Technical Library
View technical documents and other useful information that helps inform the R&A’s decision making.
