Non-conforming driver

If the R&A found 4 of 30 drivers to be non-conforming, what does this say about the whole Tour? I get the feeling there is a lot more of this happening with all the customizing these guys do with their equipment.

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/british-open-2019-xander-schauffele-first-player-to-publicly-fail-randa-driver-testbut-may-not-have-been-only-one

The real question. The R&A really can't test all 156?

UPDATE: Xander STILL not happy

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/british-open-2019-xander-schauffele-still-angry-at-randa-and-now-at-players-jokingly-calling-him-a-cheater

All players equipment should be examined for conformity before each tournament. I'm actually kinda surprised it's not...I thought that in some shape or form, it was. Just like how NASCAR inspects cars each week.

I get the USGA has the conforming list, but there is too much money at stake each tournament. It wouldn't take much to have all equipment examined and cleared.

> @JaNelson38 said:

> All players equipment should be examined for conformity before each tournament. I'm actually kinda surprised it's not...I thought that in some shape or form, it was. Just like how NASCAR inspects cars each week.

>

> I get the USGA has the conforming list, but there is too much money at stake each tournament. It wouldn't take much to have all equipment examined and cleared.

Looks like much more testing is needed

The only problem I have is that they need to be telling us the numbers. He said it was very close so I'm betting it was tested on Callaway's device and it passed but didn't pass on the R&A's device. We are likely in the 1000's of point here and not even worth talking about as an advantage.

All the brands push the limit of the additional tolerance the usga/r&a set. 4 got caught. While there maybe more it’s probably a small percentage week to week.

13 percent of sample was non conforming. I would say that is a pretty good indictment of the test. Good chance there could be more than 20 players in the field with non conforming drivers. Test all or none.

I'm hear what everyone is saying about every player, every week having their clubs tested...how keen do you think the guys would be for that?! I have no idea how long it takes to do this sort of thing but I can't imagine it is a 2 minute job. In an ideal world they would do the testing but it's far from it. I mean, how many of the guys are tested on a weekly basis for drugs? What's the bigger issue?

I’m sure they give tour players the hottest/borderline drivers and they can become illegal through use when the face begins to wear out and get slightly thinner

It appears the R&A is full of feces and lacking in logic.

"and the R&A wouldn’t comment on other possible failures, saying only that “all drivers were conforming for the start of the championship.”

How on earth can they say they are all conforming in the championship when they only tested 30 and found 4 non conforming. They have no information on the rest of the drivers.

> @Cornwall1888 said:

> I’m sure they give tour players the hottest/borderline drivers and they can become illegal through use when the face begins to wear out and get slightly thinner

>

>

What do you think the belt sanders in the tour van are for? ;)

In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> @Maximilian said:

> In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

>

> Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

I can see how he'd have a gripe if there were 4 others that failed and only his name is outted.....That ain't right.

> @Socrates said:

> > @Maximilian said:

> > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> >

> > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

>

> This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh sh!t I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

> @Socrates said:

> The only problem I have is that they need to be telling us the numbers. He said it was very close so I'm betting it was tested on Callaway's device and it passed but didn't pass on the R&A's device. We are likely in the 1000's of point here and not even worth talking about as an advantage.

Yes. Guaranteed this is the issue. Calibration.

Every single tour head out there is tested. The results advertised on the spec decal. And nobody wants an illegal head. This shitstorm is what that will get you.

In top of that. The head would need to be way hotter than max to even matter.

> @Maximilian said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > > @Maximilian said:

> > > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> > >

> > > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> >

> > This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

>

> Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh **** I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

The reason he is unhappy is because it’s so difficult to find a head that feels looks and sounds just right. When you have one you do not want to swap. Cracking the face on your gamer- honey is terrible news for a high level player. And no they can’t just pick out another one that specs the same. Driver heads are closer to snowflakes than facsimiles of each other.

> @bladehunter said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > The only problem I have is that they need to be telling us the numbers. He said it was very close so I'm betting it was tested on Callaway's device and it passed but didn't pass on the R&A's device. We are likely in the 1000's of point here and not even worth talking about as an advantage.

>

> Yes. Guaranteed this is the issue. Calibration.

>

> Every single tour head out there is tested. The results advertised on the spec decal. And nobody wants an illegal head. This shitstorm is what that will get you.

>

> In top of that. The head would need to be way hotter than max to even matter.

Good point. They should be calibrating to the limit number, not the allowable tolerance.

> @Maximilian said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > > @Maximilian said:

> > > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> > >

> > > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> >

> > This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

>

> Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh **** I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

He outed the other manufactures in his most recent interview. PXG and Taylormade had failures as well. He is really not handling this well, you would think his agent or someone would step in and try and handle the PR because it just keeps getting worse.

First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

Shame on Callaway.

> @tw_focus said:

> First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

> Shame on Callaway.

Couldn't disagree more with this post.

> @tw_focus said:

> First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

> Shame on Callaway.

$50,000 is nothing for most of these guys. Meaningful penalty is suspension (not saying that is justified here, just pointing out what is significant for these guys).

I always love the NBA guy making north of $20 mil that gets fined $10-$20k for saying something....

> @tw_focus said:

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

>

From your Tiger posts here I imagine you would be singing a much different tune if Tiger's driver that was part of this R&A testing was "just over the edge of conforming". You would defend him to the death.

> @tw_focus said:

> First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

> Shame on Callaway.

All extremely hard to say without any numbers and facts. Suppose the callaway test process is independently certified , and the Rand As isn’t ? Then what ? Who’s machines are out of calibration. Point. We do not know.

The thing that he's actually pissed about is that the test is supposed to be confidential and 3 other drivers tested over, yet somehow other players knew about his and only his driver failing and were giving him shit for it. I'm with Xander on this one.

> @Maximilian said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > > @Maximilian said:

> > > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> > >

> > > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> >

> > This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

>

> Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh **** I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

> @tw_focus said:

> First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

> Shame on Callaway.

You're saying it's XS fault for signing with Callaway because he should have known they were a bunch of amateurs who can't build to spec?

Yeah, man. Totally reasonable take there. ?

> @Maximilian said:

> > @Socrates said:

> > > @Maximilian said:

> > > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> > >

> > > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> >

> > This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

>

> Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh **** I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

You might want to look up all of his comments on the incident. Also people most certainly would still be saying something about it.

> @tw_focus said:

> First of all this is complete amateur hour by Callaway. Whoever is in charge of quality control needs to be fired, then fire their boss, and their bosses boss. The only way companies like Callaway get away with huge margins and charging 2x-4x for balls, clubs, etc. is the perception of quality. Now the perception is leaking thanks to ballgate and now drivergate. The company could be history with a few more incidents like these.

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Regarding Schauffele and others found to be in violation, there need to be real consequences. If not DQ, then a huge fine, like $50,000 huge. "It's not Schauffele's fault" - in some ways that's right, but when you outsource your club making to a bunch of amateurs who can't follow spec, that's what happens.

> Regarding "the club was just over the edge of conforming", it's irrelevant. Illegal is illegal, you can't excuse this behavior because next time the bar will be pushed a little more until action is taken.

> Shame on Callaway.

Yes fire everyone before the whole ship goes down.

Why would you test every club?

Have you ever seen the specs sticker on tour clubs? Do you think every player should have their own testing equipment at home?

Shame on people who don't understand things and demand public executions for littering.

> @tw_focus said:

> Regarding random testing, it's just not feasible to test 14 clubs of every competitor, so they do random testing. Seems completely reasonable. See random drug testing in every other pro sport.

> Shame on Callaway.

There. I fixed it for you. Now you don't sound like the guys on Fox News.

> @bladehunter said:

> > @Maximilian said:

> > > @Socrates said:

> > > > @Maximilian said:

> > > > In an ideal world, they would test everyone’s drivers, wedges and urin, but there’s not enough time for that. I don’t see a problem with random testing, It’s better than nothing.

> > > >

> > > > Everyone understands that there may be more nonconforming drivers out there. I don’t think it’s a good look for Xander trying to defend himself by pointing that out. He should take responsibility for himself.

> > >

> > > This isn't on him. It's all on Callaway. They provide all the equipment and it is up to them to make sure he has legal equipment. It's not like he went out to PGA Superstore and bought one off the rack. Callaway can add this to their off-center balls.

> >

> > Totally agree with that. And if his response would have been “Oh **** I had no idea, sorry I’ll replace it right away”, no one would think anything about it. But since he is not saying that but instead is trying to defend himself by saying that it’s unfair that they aren’t testing everyone’s else’s equipment, is what I think is a bad look for him.

>

> The reason he is unhappy is because it’s so difficult to find a head that feels looks and sounds just right. When you have one you do not want to swap. Cracking the face on your gamer- honey is terrible news for a high level player. And no they can’t just pick out another one that specs the same. **Driver heads are closer to snowflakes than facsimiles of each othe**r.

Isn't that the truth. You go to a demo day and you find a driver that you stripe. You order the "same" driver, and it is nowhere close. That's why the pros might try 10, 15 heads, maybe more, when they get fit for a new driver.