USGA Sued by Glove Maker

If the glove doesn’t fit the guidelines, then you must deem it non-conforming. Sure, that may not be as catchy as Johnny Cochran’s famous slogan, but that’s what the USGA has been preaching to Louisville Slugger. Hillerich and Bradsby Co., manufacturer of the Bionic Glove line and Louisville Slugger baseball equipment, has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against the United States Golf Association involving the Association’s approval of the Bionic Golf Glove.

The Bionic Golf Glove was designed by Louisville hand surgeon Jim Kleinert and advertised as an aid to golfers with arthritis due to it’s ergonomical design. The glove has neoprene between the fingers and on the flexpoints of the hand as well as padding placed throughout the palm and fingers. The glove’s padding is the culprit when it comes to seeking the USGA’s approval. Rules state that the glove be “plain” and meet 12 of the USGA Equipment Standards Committee’s guidelines such as “[the glove] shall not have features such as any other contrivance or device that might assist the golfer in making a stroke.”

The USGA has rejected the glove three times since June 2000 and H&B’s fourth attempt for USGA approval is under appeal. You would think that since H&B is strong in the baseball market that they would understand the saying “three strikes and you’re out,” but they are not backing down.

This is not the first time the USGA has been involved in a lawsuit, nor is it the last. Being the governing body of golf for the United States and Mexico with more 700,000 members, they are the forefront regulator when it comes to equipment and rules. The USGA has been sued numerous times regarding the use of carts during Association sanctioned tournaments, such as the U.S. Open, and also has had disputes with various manufacturers regarding the conforming size of driver heads. Need I say Callaway ERC II? Ping square grooves?

The Bionic Golf Glove, which retails for about $25, ultimately needs the USGA’s conforming approval in order to be successful in the golf marketplace. Without approval, retailers would be hesitant to stocking the item, it would not be quite as popular with the public, and professional golfers would not be able to wear it during competition or endorse it.

H&B markets other versions of the glove for baseball, driving, horseback riding, and gardening. No word yet on whether or not NASCAR has ruled the glove non-conforming.

H&B uses the standard wording of hotshot attorneys accusing the USGA of “arbitrarily rejecting the Bionic Golf Glove, violating federal antitrust laws, prohibiting competition and innovation in the marketplace, and damaging its business prospects and reputation.” The suit does not list any of the specific damages H&B is seeking. While it would be a longshot if this case made it to court and even longer if the USGA was defeated, a new precedent would be set in the golf equipment industry with regards to conforming and non-conforming equipment.

On the lighter side, I am not sure what the USGA is worried about with this glove. The Bionic Golf Glove’s biggest endorsement comes from David Ogron who holds the record for most golf balls hit within a 24 hour, 12 hour, one hour, and 30 minute time period. He once hit 1,388 balls hit in 30 minutes wearing two Bionic Golf Gloves. Can you imagine how high the scores would be if everyone were using the glove? The distance debate would be over! The new debate would involve the stroke limit and the amount of divots on the course.