Golf set for radical rule changes
Royal and Ancient are putting forward plans to toughen the sport The Royal and Ancient Club is proposing changes to the grooves on clubs, making it far tougher to get out of the rough.The changes could come into force for professionals by January 2009. R&A director of rules and equipment standards David Rickman said: “It is a matter of ensuring that skill remains the dominant element of success.”A five-month consultation period with equipment manufacturers now begins which will also help determine when
the new rules would come into effect for ordinary handicap golfers.However, a concessionary period of at least 10 years is anticipated, recognising the costs involved in changing equipment.