Joint Statement of Principles
As the governing authorities for the Rules of Golf including equipment Rules, The
R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland and the United States Golf Association (USGA) havecontinued to monitor closely the effects of advancing equipment technology on theplaying of the game. The R&A and the USGA are also aware that this subject has
attracted wide-ranging comment and a number of conflicting views. History has
proved that it is impossible to foresee the developments in golf equipment thatadvancing technology will deliver. It is of the greatest importance to golf's
continuing appeal that such advances are judged against a clear and broadly
accepted series of principles.
The purpose of this statement is to set out the joint views of the R&A and theUSGA, together with the framework of key principles and policies which guide theiractions.
In a historical context, the game has seen progressive developments in the clubs
and balls available to golfers who, through almost six centuries, have sought toimprove their playing performance and enjoyment.
While generally welcoming this progress, the R&A and the USGA will remain
vigilant when considering equipment Rules. The purpose of the Rules is to protect
golf's best traditions, to prevent an over-reliance on technological advances rather
than skill, and to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout
the game.
The R&A and the USGA continue to believe that the retention of a single set ofrules for all players of the game, irrespective of ability, is one of golf's greatest
strengths. The R&A and the USGA regard the prospect of having permanent
separate rules for elite competition as undesirable and have no current plans tocreate separate equipment rules for highly skilled players.
Golf balls used by the vast majority of highly skilled players today have largely
reached the performance limits for initial velocity and overall distance which havebeen part of the Rules since 1976. The governing bodies believe that golf balls,
when hit by highly skilled golfers, should not of themselves fly significantly further
than they do today. In the current circumstances, the R&A and the USGA are not
advocating that the Rules relating to golf ball specifications be changed other thanto modernize test methods.

The R&A and the USGA believe, however, that any further significant increases inhitting distances at the highest level are undesirable. Whether these increases in
distance emanate from advancing equipment technology, greater athleticism ofplayers, improved player coaching, golf course conditioning or a combination ofthese or other factors, they will have the impact of seriously reducing the challengeof the game. The consequential lengthening or toughening of courses would becostly or impossible and would have a negative effect on increasingly importantenvironmental and ecological issues. Pace of play would be slowed and playing
costs would increase.
The R&A and the USGA will consider all of these factors contributing to distance ona regular basis. Should such a situation of meaningful increases in distances arise,
the R&A and the USGA would feel it immediately necessary to seek ways ofprotecting the game.
In determining any future amendments to the Rules, or to associated proceduresthat may from time to time prove necessary, the R&A and the USGA will continue
their respective policies of consultation with interested parties, including the use ofnotice and comment procedures, and will take account of the views expressed. Theachievement and maintenance of worldwide uniformity in equipment rules throughclose coordination between the R&A and the USGA is a clear priority.
The R&A and the USGA are concerned that, on an increasing number ofoccasions, new products are being developed and marketed which potentially run
counter to the principles expressed in this statement. These product launches,
without prior consultation with the governing bodies, can lead to considerable
difficulties in formulating appropriate equipment rules and to undesirable conflicts
between manufacturers and rule makers. The R&A and the USGA intend to bringforward proposals designed to improve procedures for the approval of newproducts.
The R&A and the USGA believe that the principles stated in this document will,when carefully applied, serve the best interests of the game of golf.