Dick Rugge

Former Senior Technical Director, USGA

In 2013 Dick Rugge retired from the USGA after serving as the Senior Technical Director for 13 years. In that role, Dick oversaw all aspects of the golf equipment rules development and testing conducted at the USGA’s Research and Test Center located in Far Hills, N.J. According to Golf World, “His tenure saw an unprecedented number of new equipment rules, decisions, and notices to manufacturers.”

Prior to joining the USGA, Dick spent 11 years in a variety of positions for TaylorMade Golf in Carlsbad, Calif. As Vice President of Product Creation, 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 TaylorMade.

Dick earned a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 1969 from New Jersey Institute of Technology. After graduation, he was a tire development engineer by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. In 1975 he joined Information Magnetics of Santa Barbara, Calif., where he held a variety of engineering and managerial roles, including Vice President of Quality Assurance, until joining TaylorMade in 1989.

He and his wife, Marilyn, live in Encinitas, Calif. He enjoys golf, attending college classes, and working on a vintage sports car.