Dick Rugge

Senior Technical Director, Equipment Standards

Dick Rugge was named senior technical director for equipment standards in May 2000. In this role, Rugge oversees all aspects of the golf equipment testing procedures conducted at the United States Golf Association’s Research and Test Center, located in Far Hills, N.J. 

Prior to joining the USGA, Rugge spent 11 years in a variety of positions at Taylor Made Golf Company in Carlsbad, Calif., including Vice President of Product Creation, where he led a team in the design, marketing, research, and testing of new golf clubs introduced into the marketplace. He also served as director of research & advanced technology at Taylor Made.

Rugge grew up in Bradley Beach, N.J., and attended New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, where he was graduated in 1969 with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation, he was hired by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio, and served as a tire development engineer until 1975. He then joined Information Magnetics of San Diego, Calif., where he held a variety of engineering and managerial roles, including vice president of quality assurance, until joining Taylor Made.

Rugge and his wife, Marilyn, live in Tewksbury Township, N.J. Their two daughters live in California and Australia. He enjoys golf, bluegrass banjo and working on a vintage sports car.