Rule 4: The Player's Equipment

A club used to make a stroke must conform to the requirements in the Equipment Rules.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(1) · recall

If the playing characteristics change only through wear from normal use, the club is still conforming.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(1) · applied

Playing characteristics are any part, feature or property that affects how the club performs or helps alignment, such as weighting, lie and loft.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(1) · recall

Making a stroke with a club whose playing characteristics were deliberately changed during the round is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(3) · applied

If an adjusted club is restored as nearly as possible to its original position before a stroke, there is no penalty and it may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(3), Exception · applied

Merely having a non-conforming club is not a breach of Rule 4.1a, but the club still counts towards the 14-club limit.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a, Penalty · applied

Applying a substance to the clubhead, other than in cleaning it, to affect performance deliberately changes the club's playing characteristics.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(3) · recall

Turning the setting back before any stroke undoes the change, so the club may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(3), Exception · applied

Wear from normal use keeps a club conforming, but a stroke with a club deliberately changed during the round is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(1) and (3) · applied

Only A is unchanged. B has a sticker on the face (remove it first), C has a substance on the face and D was adjusted with a tool during the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(3) · applied

Unless the damage came from abuse, the player may continue to use the club, repair it or replace it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · recall

Whatever the nature or cause of the damage, the club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · recall

The damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round, but a stroke play play-off is a new round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · applied

Any change from an act during the round, such as leaning on the club, is damage; a deliberate change of its characteristics is not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · applied

After damage through abuse the club may still be used as it is, but it may not be repaired or replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · applied

Before making another stroke the player must take the damaged club out of play using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2); Rule 4.1c(1) · recall

Damage during the round includes damage by any other person, outside influence or natural forces.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · applied

Damage not caused by abuse may be replaced, but the damaged club must be taken out of play before the next stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2); Rule 4.1c(1) · applied

The protection lasts only for the rest of the round in which the damage happened; a play-off is a new round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · recall

B was damaged through abuse, so it cannot be repaired or replaced. A (a stroke), C (dropped from the bag) and D (a buggy) may be.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2) · applied

A player must not start a round with more than 14 clubs or have more than 14 during it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · recall

The limit covers all clubs carried by or for the player.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · recall

Starting with fewer than 14 allows clubs to be added during the round, up to the limit.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

A club is added once the player makes their next stroke with any club while the added club is in their possession.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · recall

When the excess was there at the start, the player chooses which club or clubs to take out of play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

When excess clubs were added during the round, those added clubs are the ones taken out of play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

A club picked up or put in the bag by mistake during the round is not counted, but the player must not use it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

The excess club must be taken out of play before the next stroke, and the penalty is applied at the end of the hole being played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1), Penalty · applied

Clubs may be added during the round only up to the limit of 14.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

C has 15 clubs. A and B are within the limit, and the separated shaft and head beside D's bag are parts of a broken club, which do not count.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1) · applied

A player must not make a stroke with a club being used by anyone else playing on the course, in any group or competition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(2) · recall

Partners may share clubs as long as the total number of clubs they have together is no more than 14.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(2); Rules 22.5 and 23.7 · recall

A player who started with 14 clubs, or added up to 14, must not replace a club lost during the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(3) · applied

A club may not be added or borrowed from anyone playing on the course, even in another group or competition.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(4) · applied

When adding or replacing a club, a player must not build one from parts carried by or for any player on the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(4) · recall

The borrowed club cannot be played again; the player marks it out of play, and its owner may keep using it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(2) · applied

Adding or replacing a club must not unreasonably delay play.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(4); Rule 5.6a · recall

Borrowing a club from anyone on the course is a breach of Rule 4.1b; the club goes out of play and the penalty applies at the end of the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(4), Penalty · applied

An extra club found shortly before the round should be left behind or, without penalty, taken out of play before starting.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(2) · applied

Turning the club upside down in the bag (A) clearly marks it as out of play; a club leaning on the bag or held in the hand does not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(1) · applied

The player gets two penalty strokes for each hole where a breach happened, up to four in the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · recall

One hole is deducted for each hole where the breach happened, but never more than two in the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · recall

It is a match adjustment penalty, not a loss of hole penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · recall

If the player becomes aware between two holes, the penalty applies as of the end of the hole just completed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · applied

Once a club is taken out of play it must not be used for the rest of the round; doing so is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(1) · applied

A player may declare it to the marker or another player in the group, or take another clear action.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(1) · recall

The no-penalty option of taking clubs out of play before the round is only for an accidental excess; a deliberate one falls under Rule 4.1b(1).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(2) · applied

Two strokes are added at each of the first two holes where the breach happened, with a maximum of four in the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · applied

The player must clearly take the club out of play before the next stroke and must not use it again in the round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1c(1) · applied

The breach happened on three holes but the deduction is capped at two holes, so three up becomes one up.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty · applied

For every stroke the player must use a ball that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(1) · recall

A conforming ball may be obtained from anyone, including another player on the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(1) · recall

Making a stroke at a ball whose performance has been deliberately altered, such as by heating it, is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(2) · applied

Scuffing, heating or putting a substance on the ball to change how it performs is not allowed; cleaning and marking it are.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(2) · applied

Rule 4.2 does not stop a player from changing balls between two holes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · recall

Only deliberately altered balls are forbidden; a ball marked through play may still be played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(2) · applied

Another ball must be played from where the stroke was made; playing from anywhere else is a wrong place, with the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2b · applied

When a ball breaks into pieces after a stroke, the stroke does not count and another ball is played from where it was made.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2b · recall

Changing balls between holes is free, a wrong place after a broken ball is the general penalty, an altered ball is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 4.2a and 4.2b · applied

A stroke that breaks the ball is cancelled without penalty, and play resumes from the X with another ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2b · applied

A player may lift the ball to check it only with a reasonable belief that it became cut or cracked during the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(1) · recall

The spot of the ball must be marked before it is lifted to check it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(1) · recall

A ball lifted to check for damage must not be cleaned, except on the putting green.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(1) · recall

Lifting without a reasonable belief of damage (except on the putting green), not marking it or cleaning it is one penalty stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(1) · applied

A ball that is only scratched, scraped or has damaged paint may not be substituted; it goes back on its spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · applied

Substitution is allowed only when it can be clearly seen that the ball was cut or cracked during the hole being played.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · recall

If the ball is cut or cracked, the player replaces either another ball or the original ball on the original spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · recall

Mark, lift without cleaning, check, then replace the original or, if it is cut or cracked, another ball on the same spot.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c · applied

Without a cut or crack there is no right to a new ball, so the same ball goes back where it lay.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · applied

Only a ball that is clearly cut or cracked (A) may be substituted. Scratches (B), discoloured paint (C) and mud (D) do not count.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2) · applied

Getting distance or direction information is allowed, but a Committee may ban distance-measuring devices by Local Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) · recall

Measuring elevation changes is one of the uses of equipment that Rule 4.3 does not allow.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) · recall

Using a device to interpret distance or direction, such as getting a recommended line of play, is not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) · recall

Any weather information available from forecasts, including wind speed, may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2) · recall

Measuring temperature and humidity at the course is allowed; measuring wind speed there is not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2) · recall

Rule 4.3 forbids using artificial objects such as powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon to read the wind; natural grass is not equipment.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2) · applied

Getting information on distance or direction, such as from a compass, is allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) · recall

A distance reading is allowed, but the decision on club and shot must remain the player's own.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) · applied

A Committee may prohibit distance-measuring devices by Local Rule; using one then breaches that Local Rule.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1); Model Local Rule G-5 · applied

A rangefinder reading the distance (A) is allowed. A slope reader (B), a wind meter (C) and a handkerchief held up to the wind (D) are not.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1) and (2) · applied

Information gathered before the round, such as notes from previous rounds or swing tips, may be used.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3) · recall

Recording playing or physiological information to use after the round is allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3) · recall

Using any physiological information recorded during the round is not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3) · applied

Audio or video unrelated to the competition is allowed, with consideration for others.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(4) · applied

Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or help with swing tempo is not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(4) · applied

Watching video of the competition that helps with play is not allowed, except video shown to spectators on the course.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(4) · applied

A Model Local Rule lets the Committee prohibit or restrict audio and video devices.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(4); Model Local Rule G-8 · recall

Earlier information may be used, information from the round may be recorded, and it may be analysed once the round is over.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3) · recall

A player who is uncertain whether a use of equipment is allowed should ask the Committee for a ruling.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a; Rule 20.2b · applied

A club suggestion worked out from the round's own distances (D) is not allowed. A course video board (A), a forecast (B) and a heart-rate recording (C) are.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2), (3) and (4) · applied

Resin, powders and other moisturising or drying agents are allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(5) · recall

Only plain gloves that meet the Equipment Rules may be used; equipment that helps with hand position or grip pressure is not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(5) · recall

Using a training aid such as a weighted headcover or donut to help with a stroke is not allowed.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(6) · applied

Equipment for general stretching is allowed, whatever it was designed for, though not in making a practice swing.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(6) · recall

Medical equipment is allowed when there is a medical reason and the Committee decides it gives no unfair advantage.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3b(1) · recall

Tape may be used for a medical reason but must not be excessive or help more than needed, such as by immobilising a joint.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3b(2) · applied

If the first breach happens between two holes, the general penalty applies to the next hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3, Penalty · recall

The Committee is the judge: once it finds a medically needed aid gives no unfair advantage, Rule 4.3 is not breached.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3b(1) · applied

The first breach of Rule 4.3 is the general penalty; a second after an intervening event is disqualification, whatever its kind.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3, Penalty · recall

A rod laid along the line to help with a stroke (B) is not allowed. A rod across the shoulders to stretch (A), a towel round the grip (C) and a plain glove (D) are.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(5) and (6) · applied