PGA Tour launches new test program before 2019-2020 season

The PGA circuit should set up a new club testing program, in collaboration with the USGA, which will identify drivers of non-compliant or about to become players.

In a memo sent to players on Wednesday, the Tour said it will now test drivers pulled directly into the players' bags, as opposed to club heads coming from on-site equipment trailers.

According to the Tour, the new policy is a response to initially compliant drivers who may, over time, make their way beyond the characteristic time limit (CT), which measures the spring effect of a face -club.

The PGA Tour tests will take place during various unannounced events throughout the year, during the training days before the start of the match. It is intended to include all regular members and equipment manufacturers during the season. Once a player is selected, he will hand his driver to a circuit official, who will then take it for testing. Players will not be informed of their actual CT numbers, but will receive their results in the spotlight.

• green – The club is compliant and can be used during the following rounds.
• Yellow – The club is consistent and can be used in subsequent rounds, but the result is in line with the tolerance published by the USGA. This means that in any subsequent test, it is more likely that the club, once tested, will exceed the limit plus tolerance. Continued use of the club could further increase the likelihood that the club will exceed the limit plus tolerance.
• red – The club is deemed to have been damaged in a non-conforming state and can not be used during the following rounds.

Green and yellow clubs will be returned to the players, while clubs deemed non-compliant (or red) will be returned to the manufacturer.

"Complying with this program will be considered as a condition of entry for the tournament," says the memo.

The circuit is also willing to conduct tests "on a voluntary basis, on a first-come, first-served basis."

Information sessions for players and manufacturers' representatives will be held at the opening of next week's season, A Military Tribute to the Greenbrier and, in early 2020, in anticipation of the Farmers Insurance Open .