USGA on Bionic Glove: Right or Wrong?

[iacas]

What do you think? Is the USGA right in ruling the Bionic Glove illegal?

I think they are. I think that gloves should be plain. Butch Harmon or somebody has that training glove, and that's great - for training. They make golf grips that help you train, too - doesn't make them suitable for golf.

The USGA allows thick gloves, too. Winter golfers know that.

Gloves that vary in thickness to promote a better, more solid, and perhaps more proper grip? That's well over the line, I think, and that they're being sued is just stupid. It's like an aluminum bat company suing MLB because they disallow aluminum bats. Or a cork company suing MLB, for that matter.

Yes, I realize that MLB isn't the ruling body for ALL baseball everywhere, of course, but then again, what other major sport really has a single ruling body for ALL levels of play? Badminton?

[dipgolf]

While I haven't seen the glove in person, I just dont see what the big deal is with the USGA. The pads maybe larger than I think so my decision may change but, it's just a glove. I think it's stupid that one organization, the USGA, can regulate such a large sport. Sure, they do an awesome job, but it seems like they can make or break and equipment company.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by dipgolf

While I haven't seen the glove in person, I just dont see what the big deal is with the USGA. The pads maybe larger than I think so my decision may change but, it's just a glove. I think it's stupid that one organization, the USGA, can regulate such a large sport. Sure, they do an awesome job, but it seems like they can make or break and equipment company.

The question becomes where do you draw the line. They've drawn the line at "no padding" (or, as winter golfers know, an even distribution of padding) because how do you really measure how much padding is present in certain places and how it affects a golfer?

Ruling bodies are smart to avoid getting themselves on a slippery slope. "Plain in appearance" is just such a slippery slope, but if the USGA has long enforced similar guidelines for other gloves - or done so several times before for this particular glove - then it's at least a poorly-worded rule backed by consistent rulings.

Clearly the USGA can "make or break" a small company, but if a company wants to make equipment that's illegal, well, that's their prerogative. Make the darn stuff legal - at least on your fourth attempt. Y'know?

[TourSpoon]

Anyone who uses the word "Bionic" should automatically have their product deemed non-conforming just for a sheer lack of creativity and respect for Steve Austin (a man barely alive).

Seriously, the USGA has deemed it non-conforming. It has to draw the line somewhere. I am not sure what the unfair advantage for wearing it is, but there must be something there. Is it as big as square grooves? Of course not. That is a whole seperate thread.

[J_Bone]

I agree with the ban. Falls in line with the belly putter IMO..

[Diggitydog]

Wow, did I ever get on a Lee Majors tangent after reading Tourspoon's post about Bionic Man. Was checking out the Fall Guys / Six Million Dollar Man Wikipedia pages.

[Zakko]

I think the ban is uncalled for. There's more technology in 90% of most gloves nowadays than just some extra padding.

"Gee, a material that takes moisture away from your hands? That's SATANIC!!! BAAANNN!!!"

[mkoreiwo]

I think they blew the call on this one.... The glove does feel good, but thats about it. I have used one and really now - its not going to shave any shots off your game. It was durable and comfortable. Period.

USGA is way off on this one....

[ericm]

I had the exact opposite reaction when I tried one. Within half a round I had enough discomfort in the pad of my hand that I threw the thing away. I'd ban them just for that, but that's just my opinion.

On the merits, they also deserve to be banned. They are going for the same effect that those grips on practice clubs are looking for. Same desire, same result (not legal for use on the course, have at it on the range).