Opening Golf to the World
Golf Club 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
- Test Service
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 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
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.Pre-Production Samples
First Article or Prototype samples may be submitted. From 1 January 2027, these will be charged at £70 per sample which is refundable at the time a Production sample of the same model is submitted. Please note that no conformance decisions are made at the pre-production stage, only guidance will be provided.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 | 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 |
Test Service | NO | Manufacturers may request the exchange of specific data to allow comparison of measurements. A sample submitted for a Test Service may be returned to the manufacturer. | NO | YES |
Player Test Service | NO | Specific 3rd Party clubs that have not been submitted for an evaluation by the original manufacturer and whose conformance status is indeterminate can be submitted for testing by players to ensure they conform to the Equipment Rules. These clubs are tested and returned to the owner. This service is strictly available only to players who have acquired a club from a 3rd Party manufacturer. | YES | NO |
Golf Club and 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.