What is the Maximum Length of a Driver?
On October 11, 2021, the USGA announced a proposed change to the maximum length of golf clubs other than putters. Before you get your knickers or panties in a twist, this does not apply to the everyday golfer, but rather to the top 1% of golfers. Here is part of the statement:
"The USGA and The R&A have announced that new Model Local Rule (MLR G-10) will be available beginning on January 1, 2022 to provide those running professional or elite amateur golf competitions the option of limiting the maximum length of a golf club (excluding putters) to 46 inches."
Hireko's customer base should be aware of this since some may perform club work for elite golfers. I guess it is one way for the ruling bodies of curbing the distance increases on the tours and not turn it into a Long Drive competition. However, very few golfers, at least on the PGA and LPGA tour use a driver longer than 46" already. Those that come to mind are Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson.
If it is a big advantage between the current maximum of length of 48" and 46", then why don't more experiment or wield a longer driver on national TV? The answer to that is simply risk versus reward. It is frankly much harder to control a longer driver and at the speeds these elite golfers possess, any small error is compounded meaning a missed fairway, ball underneath an obstacle or ball out of bounds.
It should be noted there is a tolerance of 0.20" from 46" using the USGA's standard method of measurement under Part 2.1c of the Equipment Rules as shown.
The penalty for making a stroke with a club in breach of this local rule is disqualification. So, know the rules when they go into effect next year and have something to accurately measure club length.
