Since then, manufacturers have only put conforming drivers on sale to the general public, although Nike were left somewhat red-faced earlier this year when some of their new and vaunted Sumo Square (version one) drivers were found to be slightly over regulations for what is known as 'characteristic time', which measures in microseconds how long the ball stays on the club during impact. The new rule affects the conformance status of some drivers which may still be in a golfer's bags if he or she hasn't changed drivers in the five years since the rule was first announced. However, 'ordinary' club players were given a buffer zone to be made aware of the change and that period of leniency will run out on December 31st. The introduction of this rule was announced in August 2002 and it has been applied at the elite level, via a Condition of Competition, since January 1st, 2003. The relevant R and A rule is Appendix II, 5a of the Rules of Golf, which states: 'The material and construction of, or any treatment to, the face or the clubhead shall not have the effect at impact of a spring (test on file), or impart significantly more spin to the ball than a standard steel face, or have any other effect which would unduly influence the movement of the ball.'įrom January 1st, a Rule of Golf will be introduced limiting the 'spring-like' effect of driving clubs for all golfers. In fact, some 436 drivers are on the non-confirming list, which can be viewed at which supplies a full list and photo images of drivers which will be banned in less than three months. So, if, for instance, you have a Wilson Deep Red Forged Ti 400 with 10.5 degree loft or a Callaway ERC II Forged Titanium driver with lofts of 7 to 12.5 degrees, or a MacGregor MACTEC NV2 ix400 in your bag, time is running out on using them legally. The fact is, for rule-abiding club players all around the world, and that includes this green isle of ours, the law will change in 105 days, by which time every man, woman and child who swings a driver in any club competition will have to use one that conforms to Royal and Ancient rules of golf that will ban certain drivers. Or is it to store them away for posterity? Or are they merely acquiring the club for what is called 'recreational play', seeking an edge over your buddy in a social match where the restrictions don't apply? The reason why they'd want a soon-to-be-obsolete piece of equipment is unclear.Ĭould it be that they intend to use them in competition, ie, cheat? If, perchance, you are browsing eBay with a view to picking up a second-hand driver, there could be a surprise in store with people, for some reason, bidding on drivers that will be non-conforming next January 1st.

Philip Reidlooks at the implications of the rule change Equipment, Non-conforming drivers: From January 1st every golfer must use a driver approved for competition by the R and A.

Best non conforming golf drivers