Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| The Golf Show in Orlando is the kick off show where new golf products, ideas, innovations and inventions from around the world are presented to industry representatives. One of this year's major innovation is "adjustable clubs" initiated by the USGA relaxing of the rule in this area for golf equipment companies. The adjustments will have to be made before the round and not during the round. Previously, clubs had to be made so adjusting or changing of components could not readily be done by hand and needed a tool not readily found in a golf bag. Now the golfer will be able to change the component. Each adjustable club innovation will have to be submitted to the USGA for approval. This will have major impact on golf equipment, club fitting and repairs. The industry has already introduced drivers with interchangeable shafts by using a tool and mechanical connectors or fittings. Touring pro's have had the advantage of going into a golf trailer before a round and customizing their clubs for the playing conditions like wind or rain. Now a regular golfer can do this adjustment on his own. The design and innovation possibilities are unlimited. All irons and woods will soon have offerings for interchangeable components. Interchangeable grips could be close to being announced. Again, these will be changes the consumer can make with no epoxy. There will be mechanical fittings and provided tools. Component changes can be made before the round based on weather, tighter courses, experimentation, more draw or fade on the ball, more loft, the player's physical condition, etc. This could be a shaft that keeps the ball lower or a grip that has less slip in the rain. How much will this improve golfers' performance and is it unfair to the past golfers and their accomplishments? The USGA made their decision based on the philosophy that "equipment shouldn't overtake skill." However, the average handicap has come down from 16.7 13 years ago to 14.5 today with equipment improvements a major factor. Retailers are hoping this will create a "buzz" with the golf consumer. The prices will be high at first and this could limit the public response. The manufactures will have to educate the public on the benefits of interchangeable components. One negative could be the golfer's confidence; if he worries he made the wrong component choices for his round that day. Another concern is the effect of changing out a component on the other club specs like swing weight, length, loft, lie, face angle, etc. A third concern was the golfer not performing the change correctly such as not tightening the shaft properly. What about standardization of these fittings? Will club pro's and fitting professionals have to carry all different fitting types and shaft combinations to support all major brands? Will the consumer be confused? This will have to play itself out over the next several years. There is no question, however, that this change will have a major impact on golf equipment and the approach to each round by the golfer. As a club designer, I believe the effective customization process that we do at Pole Kat Golf that fits each customer to their clubs will remain the norm until prices come down and the process is better defined. The average golfer will use his fitted product without worrying about constant adjustment until then. They are comfortable with the lower scores they've achieved using our easy hitting, customized golf clubs. The avid golfer will want to try the new technology right away. Watch the golf news to see what major equipment changes flow from this important USGA rule change. About the author: Brian Terski is the head club maker with over 15 years experience with Pole Kat Golf, a golf equipment manufacturer with a factory store located at 46B Baldwin St. in East Longmeadow. You can contact Terski for more information or with questions at bterski@polekatgolf.com. |