Perhaps the most talked-about club in golf the past six months is one many people haven’t even seen, existing only in the prototype stage and neatly tucked away in the back room of an R&D department. It might even be a computer-aided design drawing — an idea that has yet to come to fruition. But there’s a reason this club that has tongues wagging hasn’t come to market yet.

It’s not legal.

Talk of nonconforming equipment has gotten louder and more constant. Not since Ely Callaway unveiled his ERC II in October 2000 has there been so much discussion about the possibility of a major equipment manufacturer essentially sticking it to the USGA and its equipment rules.

It is a debate with no middle ground. Proponents will argue the game is at a crossroads — participation is down, interest is waning and if we can just make the game a little easier for everyday players, it will raise all boats. On the other side are those who feel the game is fine as is, and anyone condoning or promoting rogue equipment must have red horns, a pitchfork and golf balls with the number 666 on them.

So how close are we to a major company bringing a nonconforming club aimed at the masses to market?

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