BEAVERTON, Ore.(AP) The U.S. Golf Association approved new drivers from Nike on Monday to replace some Sumo Squared Drivers that did not meet the organization's regulations.
Nike Golf announced last week that some of its square-shaped drivers had excessive ``characteristic time'' - which means that the drivers stayed in contact with the ball too long.
Nike says consumers have from March 26 to April 30 to seek a free replacement driver.
Nike president Bob Wood said the USGA notified the company in February there might be a problem. He said Nike conducted its own investigation and found that during production of the drivers for consumers in the United States, Canada and Europe, a variance occurred that made the club fall narrowly outside the specifications.
Wood said a competitor told the USGA of potential problems with the Nike club, but he did not identify the company.
