Finchem Urges Conformity

US Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has urged golf's two governing bodies to come up with one set of rules to prevent future controversies about non-conforming clubs.

The issue has come to a head because Callaway's ERC driver is banned by the United States Golf Association which sets the rules for North America but deemed legal by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club which has jurisdiction over the rest of the world.

Due to the USGA's ruling, the ERC and other thin-faced drivers are banned at US Tour events held in the United States or Canada but legal for those played overseas.

"We have encouraged the R&A and the USGA to have one set of rules, to figure out a way to come together," Finchem said. "They share our concerns. Somewhere down the road, before additional equipment issues arise beyond the driver, we hope they come to grips with one system. In the meantime, when we play overseas we will follow the R&A.

"For the good of the game, its competitors and sanctioning bodies, it is time for serious consideration of one equipment rule-making body. The game will be better for it."

Finchem recently wrote to the USGA and R&A suggesting a joint rule-making body to set worldwide standards for equipment.

But USGA executive director David Fay said: "If you had one group doing it, the question would be 'who funds it?'. If it's funded by the USGA and the R&A, then suddenly we're no longer independent.

"It is not illegal for us to reach a joint decision. Having said that, we also have been counselled that we probably would be hauled into court in New York if we did reach an agreement on equipment because companies could allege collusion."

Meanwhile, the USGA has told amateurs under its jurisdiction that scores will only count for handicap purposes if the clubs and balls used conform to the Rules of Golf.

"If you want to establish and maintain a USGA handicap index, you must use conforming equipment," Fay said. "The USGA Handicap System requires a single set of rules to predict accurately a player's potential ability and designate an appropriate USGA handicap index. Such uniformity protects the integrity of the handicap system. It makes it possible to account accurately for varying skill levels and ensure that all players enjoy a fair game no matter where they play."

Rounds played with non-conforming clubs, the USGA said, are invalid for handicap posting.

*There have been a number of precedents for the two bodies to disagree over certain rules. For instance, the USGA approved steel shafts in 1924 while the R&A did not follow suit until 1929.