illegal/potentially illegal gadgets and gizmo's?

[G1BB0]

so after the debate with regards groove sharpeners potentially causing clubs to be non conforming, phone GPS apps being illegal in comps. Are there any other gadgets and gizmo's an unsuspecting golfer could purchase/use without knowing any potential implications?

I ask as I am sure there are quite a few products that could leave the unsuspecting golfer in trouble at his/her club

 

[moogie]

A Leather Wedge.........

 

[G1BB0]

2 sided chippers is one I know of. I bet there are loads of others

 

[SyR]

Any chipper.

 

[BTatHome]

Wasn't there a electric trolley with a temperature feature? Laser rangefinder with slope features. Golf bag with compass. Illegal drivers from yesteryear.

 

[Iaing]

If you use a rangefinder or gps, check the local rules at any course you're playing a competition at.

Most allow them but some don't.

 

[Mattyboy]

Were the Ping Eye 2 box grooves banned in 1995? I am not sure, although I swapped my set with Ping for the Eye 2 +.

 

[MashieNiblick]

I once owned a "wishbone" putter which had a split neck/hosel like an upsidedown Y. Was nice to putt with. Now not allowed. Head has to be joined to shaft at a single point.

 

[Imurg]

groove sharpeners

Here's the fun bit - a Groove Sharpener is not illegal.

It's not illegal to use one. Just to change the groove size beyond approved limits.

As it's not something designed specifically for Golf, the R&A can't ban them.

 

[MegaSteve]

2 sided chippers is one I know of.

How so ...

I only ask as a friend had one and he would, on occasion, play some 'miracle' shots with the ruddy thing...

 

[BTatHome]

How so ...

I only ask as a friend had one and he would, on occasion, play some 'miracle' shots with the ruddy thing...

It's the 2 sided part. No club (except putter) can have 2 faces designed to strike the ball.

 

[MegaSteve]

It's the 2 sided part. No club (except putter) can have 2 faces designed to strike the ball.

Thankyou... Wish I'd known that then... Guessing it would've been a two shot penalty every time he got it out of the bag...

 

[duncan mackie]

Thankyou... Wish I'd known that then... Guessing it would've been a two shot penalty every time he got it out of the bag...

wouldn't need to get it out the bag to be penalised....2 shots a hole, max 4 shots.

if it was used - it's DQ

 

[BTatHome]

Wasn't aware of the DQ ruling Duncan.

 

[Slime]

Were the Ping Eye 2 box grooves banned in 1995? I am not sure, although I swapped my set with Ping for the Eye 2 +.

A set of Ping Eye 2's.....................swapped...................with Ping?
I've got a set of Eye 2's............what's Ping's number & talk me through their swappage scheme :lol:.

Slime.

 

[Region3]

Were the Ping Eye 2 box grooves banned in 1995? I am not sure, although I swapped my set with Ping for the Eye 2 +.

From what I remember they made the grooves with squarer edges but still within the limits for the rules at the time. Players complained about balls cutting up too quickly so Ping rounded the edges a bit which then made the grooves too close together.
They were then called non-conforming by the PGA but Ping took them (or threatened to) to court because they were able to demonstrate that no advantage was gained by the change which made them non-conforming and the PGA has to grant those particular clubs an exemption to the rule and Ping promised to play nicely and not use the design again.

That permanent exemption was the reason that tour pro's could use the Eye wedges legally when the rules were changed again not so long ago.

Disclaimer:
The above may not be factually correct as I'm nearly old enough for the old farts team, and as such the memory is fading, but the general gist of it is almost certainly 51% correct.

 

[Leftie]

Disclaimer:
The above may not be factually correct as I'm nearly old enough for the old farts team, and as such the memory is fading, but the general gist of it is almost certainly 51% correct.

Quote...

"Again,'' said Mickelson, "I think it's a ridiculous rule, but whoever wants to play (the clubs) they're approved. We have two things going on. We have legal and conforming grooves that are approved for play. I have sent in (to the USGA) legal grooves that were not approved. And these grooves in my opinion are, just like Scott said, non-conforming. But they are approved.''

Full article

​

http://www.pgatour.com/2010/tournaments/r004/01/29/spander.mickelson/index.html

 

[SGC001]

I believe Ping has since agreed to waive the right to that ruling and they are no longer legal on tour.

Anti slice / hook tees

 

[duncan mackie]

Wasn't aware of the DQ ruling Duncan.

generally any breach of the rules that has the potential to deliver an undefined advantage to the player will result in a DQ, where technical breaches will be 2 shots and 'accidents' will be 1 and put it back!

but inevitably there are exceptions to all of these (still) withn the rules so they are just a starting point to consider what the likely penalty might be!

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I believe Ping has since agreed to waive the right to that ruling and they are no longer legal on tour.

Anti slice / hook tees

yes, I seem to remember they tried to fight their corner after the last rule change but backed down