Frank Thomas Industry Leader Inventor Technical Director of USGA (1973-2000)

It is the mission of Frank Thomas to help golfers. Educating consumers about golf technology and empowering them to make better decisions about buying equipment is his passion. Open up Golf Digest Magazine or switch on The Golf Channel to see Frank doing what he does best: helping golfers by delivering honest and straightforward information on today's technology.

Seeking to explore the world, Frank set sail for the USA in his 25 foot sailboat "Banshee" from his native South Africa in 1963. Facing several life or death situations on his harrowing trip across the Atlantic helped shape Frank's character and philosophy.

Frank dedicated 26 years of his life to preserving the challenge of the game of golf in his role as Technical Director of the United States Golf Association (USGA). From 1973-2000, each and every club or ball introduced was subject to Frank's approval, based on the extensive testing procedures he developed and directed. In addition, Frank also directed the development of today's Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN).

Today, no one knows the golf industry better than Frank. After all, it was his invention of the graphite golf shaft and his introduction of the Stimpmeter that made such an impact on the game as we know it.

Frank's straightforward, honest opinions have been his trademark throughout his career. Whether battling with Jack Nicklaus over distance, researching grooves and spin with Greg Norman or sparring with Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour over on-site testing, Frank is always "frank".