Rugge Speaks
Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:25 AM Carlos Monarrez writes about a recent presentation by the USGA’s Dick Rugge. Sadly, the inconsistencies and contradictions speak for themselves.
But last week, Rugge referred to the "Joint Statement of Principles" published by the USGA and the Royal & Ancient, Europe's governing body for rules. As far as balls go, he said, "Our official position is no change is necessary."
Whew! For now. Rugge said the USGA would prefer to be proactive, rather than reactive. For that reason, he asked ball manufacturers to develop and send a "limited ball" to the USGA for testing.
Rugge said all eight manufacturers contacted have agreed to do this. There's also no timetable for coming to any conclusions through testing.
Rugge also indicated that there probably wouldn't be a rollback of rules concerning technology.
"Clubs are capped, balls are capped," he said. "We didn't roll it back. That says we're in for a period of stability."
The USGA's mission is simple.
"Our challenge is to keep the game healthy," Rugge said.
According to Rugge's information, in 1997 there were 525 million rounds played in this country. In 2004, 500 million rounds were played. Yet, in 1991 the average handicap for men was 16.5 and 29.5 for women, compared to 15.0 for men and 28.0 for women this year.
So 25 million rounds less is healthy in USGA doublespeak?
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