The United States Golf Association has informed Hillerich & Bradsby Co., that it will permit wear of the Bionic® Golf Glove in USGA sanctioned events for players with arthritis of the hands.  The USGA has placed the Bionic Golf Glove on a List of Equipment Permitted Conditionally for Medical Reasons. 

 "This is very good news for golfers with arthritis of the hands," said Bionic President Bill Clark.  "Now they can wear the Bionic Golf Glove and play in USGA sanctioned events and post scores toward their handicap."

As noted on the USGA web site, "in the Miscellaneous Section of the Modification to the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities, there are many golfers who have physical limitations which may result in some degree of disability and which may have a significant impact on their ability to play."

Bionic's patented anatomical and ergonomic features designed by a leading orthopedic hand surgeon are beneficial to players with arthritis, as noted by the Arthritis Foundation which awarded the Bionic Golf Glove its Ease-of-Use Commendation last year. 70 million Americans are reported to have Arthritis.

Independent testing for the Arthritis Foundation demonstrated that the Bionic golf glove can significantly improve strength in the hands of people with arthritis while helping reduce their pain.  Users who tested Bionic gloves reported that they could perform better and with less pain while wearing the gloves compared to bare handed. 

"Easy-to-use products can reduce stress on joints, and make everyday tasks easier for all people," said Dr. John H. Klippel, Arthritis Foundation president and CEO.

As stated by the USGA on its web site, "The USGA reviews, on a case-by-case basis, unique devices" _ such as the Bionic Golf Glove _ "that are designed for use by individuals with physical limitations and that do not conform to the Rules of Golf. After reviewing a device, as well as information regarding an individual's medical condition, the USGA determines whether the device could be permitted"& "and refers the ultimate decision to the local Committee (e.g., tournament committee or golf club). If the local Committee determines that the individual does not gain any undue advantage over other players by using the device, the Committee may permit the player to use the device during a stipulated round."

To be included on the  List of Equipment Permitted for Medical reasons the USGA says, "an item must be submitted to the USGA Research and Test Center for review, along with medical and/or scientific evidence demonstrating a significant connection between the device, as used by a golfer, and the targeted medical condition."  

The Bionic Glove met these criteria and has now been permitted for play by the USGA for golfers who can prove to their local Committee that they have arthritis of the hands. 

The USGA says, "A player is not considered to be in breach of the USGA Rules of Golf for using a device included on the List if: · he establishes, with the local Committee, that he currently has a medical condition identified on the List associated with the particular device, · and the local Committee determines that the player would not gain an undue advantage over other players in that competition by using the device."

In addition to the Arthritis Foundation's Ease-of-Use Commendation, the Bionic Golf Glove from Hillerich & Bradsby Co., makers of Louisville Slugger bats and gloves, has also received PGA Tour Partners Magazine's Seal-of-Approval. 

"The Bionic Golf Glove is a technological leap in golf gloves," Clark said.  "It's good for the game of golf because it helps players with arthritis of the hands play more often and, in many cases, helps golfers who'd quit because of hand pain return to the game they love."

More information about the USGA's decision to permit the Bionic Golf Glove for players with arthritis of the hands can be found on the USGA web site at www.usga.org by clicking on "Rules", then clicking on "Equipment Permitted Conditionally for Medical Reasons."

- contributed to HomeTown Golf