Driving clubs come under GUI clampdown

THE Golfing Union of Ireland will introduce a clause limiting the “spring-like” effect of driving clubs to its Condition of Competition for all its leading National and Provincial Championships, effective from January 1, 2005.

This follows similar action by The R&A and the men’s three Home Unions in England, Scotland and Wales.

For most club competitions and recreational play there will continue to be no limit on “spring-like” effect until January 1, 2008, when the new rule will be introduced.

The R&A’s interpretation of a “driving club” is that it is a club with a loft of 15 degrees or less.

The GUI’s National and Provincial Championships that will be governed by the new rule from January 1, 2005 are: Irish Amateur Open Championship; Irish Amateur Close Championship; Irish Boys’ Amateur Close Championship; Irish Youths Amateur Open Championship; Irish Seniors’ Amateur Open Championship; West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship; East of Ireland Amateur Open Championship; North of Ireland Amateur Open Championship; South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship; All Provincial Boys’ Championships; All Provincial Youths’ Championships; All Provincial Seniors’ Championships.

The GUI has also decided that the rule will be introduced in 2006 for the cups and shields and all other national and provincial events.