Rule 4: Your golf equipment on the course
What this is about
This rule describes which clubs and other items you're allowed to use during your round of golf. It makes sure everyone plays with fair, approved equipment and without unnecessary advantages.
What you need to do
- Always use clubs and balls that conform to the rules (are approved).
- You may carry a maximum of fourteen (14) clubs during your round.
- If a club is accidentally damaged during your round, you're allowed to repair it.
- You may also replace the damaged club with another one, as long as you stop using the old club right away.
- Never deliberately change how your club performs, for example by adjusting a setting. If you make a stroke after doing so, you'll be disqualified from the competition.
Common mistake
Many beginners think that a club which accidentally bends or gets damaged is immediately banned from use. This isn't true, as long as the damage wasn't deliberate, you can keep playing with it or repair it.
Example
During a swing you accidentally hit a stone with your iron, leaving a small dent in the club. You're allowed to keep playing with this club. You could also grab a backup club instead, but then you must take the damaged club out of your bag and stop using it.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
4.1 Clubs
4.1a Clubs you're allowed to make a stroke with
You must use clubs that meet the requirements in the Rules of Equipment. If a conforming club becomes damaged during the round, you may keep using it or have it repaired, as long as the club's general character stays the same. A non-conforming club must never be used at any point during the round.
4.1b Maximum of 14 clubs; sharing, adding or replacing clubs
A player may carry a maximum of 14 clubs at the start of the round and use them during the round. If a player starts with fewer than 14 clubs, he may add clubs up to the maximum of 14, but this must not unreasonably delay play. Clubs may not be shared with other players, unless partners in a foursome or four-ball are using the same clubs (with a combined maximum of 14). Penalty for breach: in match play, adjustment of the match score (maximum of two holes per breach, maximum of four holes per round); in stroke play, two penalty strokes per hole (maximum of four penalty strokes per round).
4.1c Procedure for taking clubs out of play
When a player discovers that he has more than 14 clubs or is carrying a non-conforming club, he must immediately declare the excess or non-conforming club "out of play" by clearly announcing this. The club may no longer be used for the rest of the round.
4.2 Balls
4.2a Balls that may be used during a round
You must use balls that are on the list of conforming golf balls (if required by the Committee). You may use other players' balls (with their permission).
4.2b Ball breaks into pieces while playing a hole
If a ball breaks into pieces as a result of a stroke, that stroke doesn't count. The player must play another ball from the spot where the stroke was made, without penalty.
4.2c Ball Cracks or Splits During Play of a Hole
If a player reasonably believes their ball has become cracked or split during play of a hole, they may mark, lift and inspect the ball. If the ball is indeed damaged, they may replace it with another ball on the original spot. The player may not replace the ball just because it's dirty or discolored, or because its surface is scratched or scraped.
4.3 Use of equipment
4.3a Permitted and prohibited use of equipment
You may use equipment that's normally used during play (tee, glove, grip powder, distance-measuring device if allowed by local rule). It's forbidden to use equipment that gives an unfair advantage, such as: devices that measure wind, aids that measure slope angle (unless allowed), and devices that give advice on club selection or line of play.
4.3b Equipment used for medical reasons
A player may use medical equipment (such as a brace or hearing aid), as long as it doesn't give an unfair advantage.