# Rule 4: The Player's Equipment (The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf)

Golf · Rule 4: The Player's Equipment · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/golf/laws/rule-4-the-players-equipment/)

The equipment a player may use in a round: conforming clubs and what happens when a club is changed or damaged, the 14-club limit and its penalties, conforming balls and damaged balls, and which uses of other equipment, from rangefinders to training aids, are allowed.

## 4.41 Clubs

Conforming clubs, changed and damaged clubs, the 14-club limit, sharing, adding and losing clubs, taking clubs out of play and the penalties.

### Test 1: Conforming clubs and their playing characteristics

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 2: A club damaged during the round

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Damage during the round includes damage by any other person, outside influence or natural forces. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1a(2))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: The 14-club limit

- 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))
- The limit covers all clubs carried by or for the player. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- Clubs may be added during the round only up to the limit of 14. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(1))
- 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))

### Test 4: Sharing, lost clubs and taking clubs out of play

- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Adding or replacing a club must not unreasonably delay play. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b(4); Rule 5.6a)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 5: Penalties for carrying too many clubs

- 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)
- 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)
- It is a match adjustment penalty, not a loss of hole penalty. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.1b, Penalty)
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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)

## 4.42 Balls and the Use of Equipment

Conforming, altered, broken and cracked balls, and which uses of devices, information, audio, gloves, aids and medical equipment are allowed.

### Test 1: Conforming balls and broken balls

- 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))
- A conforming ball may be obtained from anyone, including another player on the course. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(1))
- 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))
- 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))
- Rule 4.2 does not stop a player from changing balls between two holes. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(2))
- Only deliberately altered balls are forbidden; a ball marked through play may still be played. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2a(2))
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

### Test 2: A ball cut or cracked during the hole

- 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))
- The spot of the ball must be marked before it is lifted to check it. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.2c(1))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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))

### Test 3: Distance, direction and weather information

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- Any weather information available from forecasts, including wind speed, may be used. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2))
- Measuring temperature and humidity at the course is allowed; measuring wind speed there is not. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(2))
- 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))
- Getting information on distance or direction, such as from a compass, is allowed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(1))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))

### Test 4: Information, audio and video during the round

- 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))
- Recording playing or physiological information to use after the round is allowed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3))
- Using any physiological information recorded during the round is not allowed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(3))
- Audio or video unrelated to the competition is allowed, with consideration for others. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(4))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))

### Test 5: Grips, training aids, medical use and penalties

- Resin, powders and other moisturising or drying agents are allowed. (Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 4.3a(5))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))
- 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)
- 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))

Sources: Rules of Golf, effective January 2023 (The R&A and USGA), Rule 4 (paraphrased in original wording; original questions authored from the Rules, not reproduced)

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