Sports: New rules vindicate Palmer

New rules vindicate Palmer

By BOB HARIG, Times Staff Writer

Arnold Palmer took plenty of heat when he came out in favor of a club that did not conform to United States Golf Association rules more than a year ago. Some suggested he condoned cheating, although he vehemently denied anything of the sort.

Considered a staunch traditionalist who believes golf should be played by the rules, Palmer stunned many when he said it was okay to use the ERC II, a driver from Callaway Golf that was banned by the USGA because it exceeded testing restrictions.

The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, which governs the rest of the world, did not set a testing limit, and the club was legal in Europe.

For nearly four years that difference of rulings caused quite a controversy, but it ended last week when the two governing bodies announced they had agreed on coefficient of restitution limitations (COR) on club faces.

Starting in 2003, "highly-skilled" players will have a different set of rules -- for a five-year period.

"To say that it's cheating for a guy to go out and hit a club that lets him enjoy that game a little bit more ... I think that's a little farfetched," Palmer said. "I think that's carrying it a little too far."

The USGA and R&A never intended to have two sets of rules. Part of the beauty of the game is that it is -- was -- played by the same rules for all players. But starting next year the COR limit for tour pros will be .83, and the rest of us will enjoy a COR limit of .86 until 2008, when everyone will go by the .83 mandate. That allows manufacturers to sell their "hot" drivers, such as the ERC II, for five years. Starting in 2003, however, those clubs won't be legal in European Tour events or the British Open.

COR is measured by shooting a ball into the face of a fixed club. For pros it cannot rebound at more than 83 percent of the speed in which the ball was shot into the club face by a cannon. For the rest of us, it is 86 percent. The limits curb the trampoline effect. "What we are looking for is technology to complement skills," said David Fay, executive director of the USGA. "Skill is at the essence of any sport. What we don't want to see happen is technological advances overrunning the need to have skills."

The major tours and the manufacturers applauded the USGA and R&A for coming together. Now they know the limits and promise to work within them.

And Palmer's actions appear justified. He believes the rulesmakers have far bigger concerns than drivers, such as long putters and hot golf balls.

"All of those things have far more impact on the game than a club that allows a few people that are high-handicap players to hit the ball a little farther and get a little more enjoyment out of the game," Palmer said. "That's where I'm coming from."

TRYING AGAIN: Morgan Pressel, then age 12, became the youngest player to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open last year, making it through an 18-hole qualifying round. This year the USGA changed the qualifying criteria -- some believe because of Pressel -- making the journey more difficult.

On Monday, Pressel endured the first part, advancing out of local qualifying in Naples. But she must endure a 36-hole qualifier June 3 at the Country Club of Heathrow in Orlando. It is the same system used by the men for the U.S. Open. Pressel, from Boca Raton, said she is not out to prove anything.

"I want to get back because it was awesome last year," said Pressel, who shot 77-77 to miss the cut. LOCALLY: The 10th annual Innisbrook Amateur is July 5-7 over three of the resort's four courses, including Copperhead, home to the Tampa Bay Classic. Entry fee is $250. For more information call 727-789-2755. ... Tom Shea, who co-hosts WDAE 620-AM's Saturday morning golf show, has been named the director of instruction at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club. ... The Tampa Bay Classic, Sept. 19-22, will begin selling tickets June 1. Tickets are $20 for daily admission and $50 for a weekly pass, both a $10 discount from tickets at the gate. They are available through the tournament's three charities: American Lung Association, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Rotary Club Charities, as well as Ticketmaster and the tournament office. Call 727-942-5566 for more information.

-- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.