News Regarding the TOURi Golf Ball Sidestamp
We recently learned that a very small number of Callaway Golf TOURi golf balls exceeded the USGA’s weight limit. As a result, we have asked the USGA to remove the version of the TOURi golf ball that has the sidestamp 
from the USGA’s List of Conforming Golf Balls and replace it with a TOURi ball with a sidestamp that reads 
.
The changes to the List of Conforming Golf Balls will affect only those golfers who play in professional or high level competitions that adopt a specific Condition of Competition as provided for in Part C of Appendix I to the Rules of Golf. Beginning in June of 2009, such golfers should use only the TOURi golf ball stamped . For all other golf, including handicap rounds and the vast majority of competitions that follow the Rules of Golf without adopting this specific Condition of Competition, golfers may play TOURi golf balls with either sidestamp.
The two balls are identical except for the sidestamp.
The ball with the old sidestamp will come off the List effective June 3, 2009; the ball with the new sidestamp was added to the List effective May 6, 2009. The two golf balls are identical except for the sidestamp. Packaging for golf balls with the new sidestamp will have the phrase TOUR AUTHENTIC featured prominently.
The deviation in ball weight was traced to a manufacturing anomaly that occurred on two days in mid-2008. Less than 1% of all TOURi golf balls manufactured were affected. These particular balls could, in theory, travel farther on a well struck shot.
While there is a slight chance that some of these affected balls may be at retail, the likelihood of purchasing one is remote. Further, because we inspect all equipment used by our tour staff professionals, we are certain that none of the affected balls were ever provided to our tour pros.
For more information regarding the TOURi golf ball, refer to the TOURi Golf Ball Sidestamp Questions and Answers below.
1. Why is the old sidestamp of the TOURi golf ball being removed from the List of Conforming Golf Balls?
A very small number (we estimate that less than 1% of our total production may have been affected) produced during two days in mid-2008 were slightly over the maximum allowable weight. Because of this, we asked the USGA to remove the old sidestamp from the List of Conforming Golf Balls. Going forward, TOURi golf balls will have a new sidestamp (applied to the same ball) which has been on the List since May 2009.
2. When will the new sidestamp of the TOURi () be added to the List of Conforming Golf Balls?
The balls with the new sidestamp were added to the List of Conforming Golf Balls effective May 6, 2009.
3. If a ball is not on the List of Conforming Golf Balls, does that mean it does not conform to the Rules of Golf?
No. The List is a special tool used to control the equipment used in certain high level competitions where a special Condition of Competition, as provided for in Part C of Appendix I, is adopted. According to USGA Rules Decision 5-1/101, balls such as the old version of the TOURi "are presumed to conform and the onus of proof is on the person alleging that the ball does not."
4. How many TOURi balls were produced that exceeded the USGA’s weight limit?
It is estimated that less than 1% of the total number of balls manufactured exceeded the weight limit. The USGA’s weight limit for golf balls is 45.93 gms. No overweight balls were made since the two days in mid-2008.
5. Was the TOURix ball also affected?
No. Neither the TOURix nor any other Callaway golf ball was affected.
6. Would I notice if I used one of the ‘heavy” balls?
Probably not. They were only a fraction of a gram overweight (less than approximately half the weight of a U.S. dollar bill). Theoretically, extra weight would make a golf ball fly farther on a well struck shot. However, given the small amount of extra weight and other variables (wind, club, swing speed, etc), it is doubtful that there would be a noticeable difference.
7. Did any Tour players benefit from these overweight golf balls?
No. Because we inspect all equipment used by our tour staff professionals, we are certain that none of the affected balls were ever provided to our tour pros.
8. Which sidestamp should I play?
Unless a golfer plans to play in a high level competition that has adopted the Condition of Competition regarding the List of Conforming Golf Balls, golf balls with either sidestamp can be played. Both still conform to the Rules of Golf, and can be played in handicap rounds and in the vast majority of competitions. If a golfer plays in several tournaments, check with tournament officials and see if this Condition of Competition has been adopted.
9. How will retailers and consumers be able to tell the difference between the old TOURi and the new TOURi balls?
In addition to the new sidestamp, the new golf balls will feature a banner on the packaging (dozens and individual sleeves) with the words TOUR AUTHENTIC.
10. Will you have an exchange program?
No exchange program is needed since both sidestamps may still be used in the vast majority of situations. However, if a golfer plans to play in upcoming high-level competitions where the Condition of Competition applies, he or she should play the TOUR AUTHENTIC version marked . Those golfers who must quickly replace their older version TOURi golf balls for the new version because they are playing in events that have adopted the Condition of Competition should contact Callaway Golf Customer Service at 800-588-9836.
11. My retailer has both the old sidestamp and the new “TOUR AUTHENTIC” version; which should I buy?
The balls are the same except for the sidestamp. Unless you plan to play in one of the high level competitions that have adopted the Condition of Competition, you can buy either version.
12. What if a golfer won a golf match with a TOURi ball with the old side stamp?
Any tournament win using a TOURi ball, including those in events that have adopted the Condition of Competition regarding the List of Conforming Golf Balls, remains valid because the tournament was played while the ball was still on the List of Conforming Golf Balls. The USGA has stated in Decision 5-1/102: “Players are entitled to assume that all balls of a brand included on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls conform to the Rules and Appendix III. Accordingly, players may continue to use balls of the brand in question until the publication of the next List.” In most cases going forward, such as member guests and club championships, the List of Conforming Golf Balls is not used, so wins with either sidestamp will also be valid. As noted, in future competitions where the Condition of Competition has been adopted, golfers should only use the TOUR AUTHENTIC version with the new sidestamp.