I have seen USGA’s Senior Technical Director Dick Rugge’s name so much lately that I decided to learn more about him. I was happy to learn that he actually has significant industry experience (he is not an ivory tower academic type). Mr. Rugge worked at Taylor Made for many years as vice-president of product creation and oversaw the design, marketing, research and testing of new clubs. Therefore, the obvious next step was to take a look at patents that list Mr. Rugge as an inventor. Pretty nice patent portfolio. Check it out.

1. 6558271 - Golf Club Head Skeletal Support Structure

2. 6554719 - Correlated Set of Golf Clubs

3. 6358158 - Correlated Set of Golf Clubs

4. 6183376 - Correlated Set of Golf Clubs

5. 6146287 - Golf Club Head with Weighted Sole in Stiffened Region

6. 6093112 - Correlated Set of Golf Clubs

7. 5851160 - Metalwood Golf Club Head

8. 5792005 - Iron Golf Club Head
 
9. 5643112 - Iron with Improved Mass Distribution

10. D379207 - Golf Club Head

11. 5544885 - Iron with Improved Mass Distribution

Looks like the USGA selected a qualified candidate. Congratulations.

David Dawsey – The Attorney Watching the USGA