Testing Golf Equipment at the R&A

Andrew explained that his first involvement with the R&A was in 2001 while working towards a PhD from Birmingham. In 2006 Andrew moved back to St Andrews.

Formed in 2004 and based in St Andrews, The R&A engages in and supports activities undertaken for the benefit of the sport of golf.  Despite deriving its name from the members’ golf club, The R&A is separate and distinct from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

They are the governing body for golf worldwide excluding USA and Mexico covering 36 million in 143 countries. 

Working on the key element skill being the dominant element in determining success.

Based at Allan Robertson House at Kingbarns. Allan Robertson was one of the first professional golfers. Remit includes Equipment Standards and is essentially the technical hub for R&A.

Submissions amount to 2,000 pieces of equipment per annum. Not just clubs but grips, shoes etc. 800 models of balls.

Conforming lists - 7,800 drivers, 12,600 irons and wedges and 1,200 golf balls which need to be submitted annually.

Some equipment standards milestones

1908 - first club rule
1921 - size of ball
1976 - initial velocity limit

Different testing techniques are used, e.g. a testing pendulum for example measures the flexibility of the face of the golf club. Golf club volume is based on Archimedes Principle (c 250 BC) limit is 460cc.

Golf balls regulations govern size,mass, initial velocity, overall distance standards, symmetry and it has to be a golf ball! (Out of rubber).

Overall distance standard is tested by a robot in an indoor test range. Research projects consider perceptions of the game and try to disseminate via technical reports.