Calls are growing to allow new materials such as titanium and plastic — not just wood — for park golf club heads. Critics argue that international standards mandating wood-only construction limit consumer choice and hinder industry growth. Some are pushing for a dual-track system that separates material rules for official tournaments from those for recreational amateur use.
The Korea Park Golf Association recently passed the so-called "82% rule," requiring that at least 82% of the total club head volume be made of wood, according to industry sources on Wednesday.
The association introduced the rule to align with global market trends. Japan, the birthplace of park golf, and North American associations already apply the 82% rule. Equipment makers also agree that unifying material standards internationally is necessary to prevent specification disputes at future international competitions. Without clear material criteria, Korean-made clubs could face eligibility challenges at international events.
However, some argue that more relaxed standards should apply to clubs used for recreational play. They contend that embracing diverse materials is essential for technological innovation and the popularization of park golf. Wooden heads carry high production costs and require careful maintenance against temperature and humidity changes, creating a barrier for beginners. In contrast, new materials like titanium and plastic offer greater durability and can be mass-produced, significantly lowering club prices and reducing the burden on newcomers.
"Preserving the sport's tradition is important, but for park golf to fully establish itself as a mainstream sport, we need an approach that respects consumer choice," an industry official said. "If we introduce a dual certification system — strictly regulating competition clubs while easing material restrictions for entry-level equipment — it could serve as a strategy to lower the barrier for beginners."