ELMSFORD, N.Y. (November 6, 2012) - Through nearly 13 years at the helm of the USGA's Research and Test Center, Dick Rugge brought the USGA's equipment testing operations to new heights of technology and efficiency, and in the process made his mark in the game of golf. The 64-year-old New Jersey native announced on November 5 that he will retire from his position as USGA Senior Technical Director, effective February 2, 2013.

"Dick will leave behind a Research and Test Center team that is extremely well-positioned to handle its mission moving forward," USGA Executive Director Mike Davis wrote in a letter to staff announcing Rugge's retirement. "His contributions to the USGA have been invaluable."

A product of Bradley Beach, N.J., and a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, Rugge returned to the Garden State in May 2000 and became one of the most influential and respected equipment experts in the golf industry. Rugge joined the USGA after spending 11 years with TaylorMade in Carlsbad, California, a time during which he became the director for their research and advanced technology department.

His main priority at the USGA is to oversee golf equipment testing procedures, a position that requires him to lead a team of 18 full-time employees that tests more than 2,500 clubs and golf balls a year. Under Rugge's leadership, the USGA administered more equipment-related changes to the Rules of Golf than during any other time period, according to Golf Digest's Mike Stachura.

"We're not here to determine who has the best clubs or balls out there," Rugge told The Met Golfer for a feature published in the February/March 2012 issue. "We only have to make sure that equipment conforms to the Rules of Golf. We are simply a 'yes-no' answer."

Rugge also mentioned to Stachura that expanding the guidelines regarding club adjustability were the most important changes the USGA made under his tutelage, saying the rules "will continue to evolve in ways that benefit golfers, manufacturers, retailers, and even golf journalists, all without harming the challenge of the game."

Perhaps the USGA's most notable, and controversial, equipment-related Rules change made during Rugge's time were the new groove modifications announced in early 2010. The USGA mandated that the grooves of wedges and irons be regulated to a specific size, sharpness, and shape (Stachura goes into further detail here). The new changes sparked debate among Tour players, especially Phil Mickelson, but the disputes were relatively mild and short-lived because of Rugge's ability and willingness to communicate. In fact, one of Rugge's enduring legacies will be his broadening of the dialogue between the USGA, players and equipment manufacturers.

Although Rugge didn't exactly confirm when he'd retire when he spoke with The Met Golfer last year, he did saythat he assured his family they'd move back to sunny California when his tenure in Far Hills was over.