Driver length rules change 48" Max to 46" Max.

[Syks7]

 I play my driver at 46" which is now the new maximum club length.  When I cut the shaft down I wasn't too concerned with it being exactly on the dot.  The 46" is somewhat accurately measured to the end of the grip edge and does not include the cap.  Further I have a game golf tag on the end.  Where should I measure to insure that I'm under the limit for tournament play?  

[cnosil]

2 minutes ago, Syks7 said:

 I play my driver at 46" which is now the new maximum club length.  When I cut the shaft down I wasn't too concerned with it being exactly on the dot.  The 46" is somewhat accurately measured to the end of the grip edge and does not include the cap.  Further I have a game golf tag on the end.  Where should I measure to insure that I'm under the limit for tournament play?  

https://www.usga.org/equipment-standards/equipment-rules-2019/equipment-rules/part-2-rule-2.html

For woods and irons, the measurement of length is taken when the club is lying on a horizontal plane and the sole is set against a 60 degree plane as shown in Fig. 3. The length is defined as the distance from the point of the intersection between the two planes to the top of the grip. For putters, the measurement of length is taken from the top of the grip along the axis of the shaft or a straight line extension of it to the sole of the club.

[storm319]

@Syks7 in case you were not already aware, the 46” limit is an optional local rule that intended for the highest levels of competition. It is unlikely that most amateurs will be playing in an event where this rule will be in place.

[Syks7]

 

31 minutes ago, storm319 said:

@Syks7 in case you were not already aware, the 46” limit is an optional local rule that intended for the highest levels of competition. It is unlikely that most amateurs will be playing in an event where this rule will be in place.

I was not aware of that.  I can pretty much guarantee that zero of the tournaments I will be involved in would qualify to be at the 'highest level'.  Very much appreciated, because the 1/8" width of the cap is what would have to come off the end of my driver shaft to be in compliance.  I'm not even sure I could cut it off cleanly without the butt end splintering.  

[DaveP043]

8 hours ago, Syks7 said:

I was not aware of that.  I can pretty much guarantee that zero of the tournaments I will be involved in would qualify to be at the 'highest level'. 

I'm always interested in the propagation of partial truths about the rules, can I ask where you got the impression that the rule had changed for everyone?  This type of thing is the reason I always recommend that players look to the source, to the USGA or R&A to understand exactly what is changing.  In this case, here's the announcement from this past October, which contains a link to the actual Model Local Rule:

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/articles/2021/10/local-rule-usga-randa-limits-club-length.html

[Syks7]

3 hours ago, DaveP043 said:

I'm always interested in the propagation of partial truths about the rules, can I ask where you got the impression that the rule had changed for everyone? 

I was skimming an article that was along the lines of 'Rule changes for the year that could affect you'.   Total clickbait.  Though, when I think back on it did mention the local component without really explaining the purpose.  I then followed it up by looking up the rule change, but still didn't really understand the intent of the local component.  I'd misinterpreted that it might be more widespread instead of understanding that it was aimed at the highest levels of play. 

Long story short, I created my own misinformation in my head by misunderstanding the language.  You'd think that interpreting building code for a living would make me immune to this but I guess not.  I'm glad it was pointed out.

[DaveP043]

54 minutes ago, Syks7 said:

I was skimming an article that was along the lines of 'Rule changes for the year that could affect you'.   Total clickbait.  Though, when I think back on it did mention the local component without really explaining the purpose.  I then followed it up by looking up the rule change, but still didn't really understand the intent of the local component.  I'd misinterpreted that it might be more widespread instead of understanding that it was aimed at the highest levels of play. 

Long story short, I created my own misinformation in my head by misunderstanding the language.  You'd think that interpreting building code for a living would make me immune to this but I guess not.  I'm glad it was pointed out.

I don't blame you, shortly after I asked my question I received a link to this story:

https://clubhouse.swingu.com/rules/2022-rules-changes-driver-length-greens-books-amateur-status/

The article discusses "Three Impactful Rule Changes", two of which are newly approved Model Local Rules which will generally be applied only at the highest levels.  There's only a passing reference to the fact that these rules will probably never apply to any of us.    

Edited January 4, 2022 by DaveP043

[storm319]

8 minutes ago, DaveP043 said:

I don't blame you, shortly after I asked my question I received a link to this story:

https://clubhouse.swingu.com/rules/2022-rules-changes-driver-length-greens-books-amateur-status/

The article discusses "Three Impactful Rule Changes", two of which are newly approved Model Local Rules which will generally be applied only at the highest levels.  There's only a passing reference to the fact that these rules will probably never apply to any of us.    

This is why I go straight to the USGA website for any rule reference.

[cnosil]

Will be interesting to monitor Brooke Henderson this year to see the impact.

https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/01/05/brooke-henderson-driver-change-lpga-local-rule/?taid=61d5eacced344f00012e83dc

[DrRob1963]

Why exempt putters? They should really be limited to just 36"!

[cnosil]

4 hours ago, DrRob1963 said:

Why exempt putters? They should really be limited to just 36"!

Kind of off topic; start a topic and explain why you think that putters should be limited to 36”