usga rules

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."

3 proposed USGA changes

In case you missed it this week, the ruling bodies of golf (the USGA and R&A) reached out to manufacturers for feedback and research to 3 proposed changes to current Equipment Standards.  These are the three proposals in short:

Club length

The first proposal is to make available a Model Local Rule (MLR) for Committees that will permit them to limit the maximum length of clubs (other than putters) to 46 inches. The measurement technique will remain as defined within the Equipment Rules and an appropriate accommodation will be made to ensure the fidelity of that measurement. It is currently being contemplated that this MLR, like other equipment related local rules would be recommended for use only in competitions limited to highly skilled players (that is, professional and elite amateur competitions).