marking your grip

[chellie]

Why the bump on a post that's over four years old

 

[rulefan]

You are generally not allowed to make changes to clubs during a stipulated round. For example you can add or remove lead tape before a round, but not during it. If you have an adjustable driver you can't change the settings during a round.

The rule is concerned with playing characteristics. This is not.

4-2. Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material

a. Playing Characteristics Changed

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.

b. Foreign Material

Foreign material must not be applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball

 

[rulefan]

Why the bump on a post that's over four years old

I was researching the question, found this old thread and was puzzled by Duncan's answer.

 

[delc]

The rule is concerned with playing characteristics. This is not.

4-2. Playing Characteristics Changed and Foreign Material

a. Playing Characteristics Changed

During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means.

b. Foreign Material

Foreign material must not be applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball

I would urge caution on changing anything during a round. Remember that Sandy Lyle was once DQ'd because he stuck a bit of tape to the top of his putter head to prevent glare in sunny conditions. That in no way altered the playing characteristic of the club!

 

[atticusfinch]

Wondering if it would be illegal to put a small line (prob spray paint.... with a template) on your grip to help with alignment?

What the rules do not prohibit, they permit.

 

[rulefan]

I would urge caution on changing anything during a round. Remember that Sandy Lyle was once DQ'd because he stuck a bit of tape to the top of his putter head to prevent glare in sunny conditions. That in no way altered the playing characteristic of the club!

That is because there was/is a specific decision prohibiting such action. See in particular the last paragraph.

[h=2]4-1/5[/h] [h=4]Adhesive Bandage or Tape Applied to Clubhead to Reduce Glare or for Protection[/h]Q.May a player put an adhesive bandage or tape on the clubhead to reduce glare or to protect the club from being damaged?

A.An adhesive bandage or tape added to the clubhead is considered an external attachment, rendering the club non-conforming (see Appendix II, Rule 1a but see also Decision 4-1/4). However, material attached to the clubhead that does not affect the performance of the club and is semi-permanent, durable, not easily removable and conforms to the shape of the clubhead may be permitted by exception, but an adhesive bandage or tape does not fall under that exception because such items are temporary in nature and easily removable. See "A Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls," Section 1a, for detailed criteria regarding permissible external attachments, such as alignment markings, protective coverings or decorative decals.

Additionally, adding such an attachment during the stipulated round would change the club's playing characteristics in breach of Rule 4-2.

 

[pogle]

That is because there was/is a specific decision prohibiting such action. See in particular the last paragraph.

[h=2]4-1/5[/h] [h=4]Adhesive Bandage or Tape Applied to Clubhead to Reduce Glare or for Protection[/h]Q.May a player put an adhesive bandage or tape on the clubhead to reduce glare or to protect the club from being damaged?

A.An adhesive bandage or tape added to the clubhead is considered an external attachment, rendering the club non-conforming (see Appendix II, Rule 1a but see also Decision 4-1/4). However, material attached to the clubhead that does not affect the performance of the club and is semi-permanent, durable, not easily removable and conforms to the shape of the clubhead may be permitted by exception, but an adhesive bandage or tape does not fall under that exception because such items are temporary in nature and easily removable. See "A Guide to the Rules on Clubs and Balls," Section 1a, for detailed criteria regarding permissible external attachments, such as alignment markings, protective coverings or decorative decals.

Additionally, adding such an attachment during the stipulated round would change the club's playing characteristics in breach of Rule 4-2.

I believe that Decision was added AFTER the Sandy Lyle incident, probably to codify the ruling that was made at the time.

 

[rulefan]

I believe that Decision was added AFTER the Sandy Lyle incident, probably to codify the ruling that was made at the time.

Indeed, that may be so. The original decision was reversed in 2002.

 

[duncan mackie]

Indeed, that may be so. The original decision was reversed in 2002.

Maybe I should reverse my 2012 opinion now as well 🤔

I certainly had in mind that alignment marking represent a permissable playing characteristic but I can see merit in the argument that they don't.

How would you rule if a player had the grip of a club adjusted slightly halfway through a round (assuming instant drying solutions available!) because it didn't seem 'right'?

If that specific aspect cropped up I would certainly look to refer it up for a definitive ruling :thup:

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Last week I picked up an old 1950's Benny putter with a square grip and grooved sole in an antique shop.
It still felt pretty good, I suppose the grip and sole would still be legal.

 

[rulefan]

Maybe I should reverse my 2012 opinion now as well 樂

I certainly had in mind that alignment marking represent a permissable playing characteristic but I can see merit in the argument that they don't.

How would you rule if a player had the grip of a club adjusted slightly halfway through a round (assuming instant drying solutions available!) because it didn't seem 'right'?

If that specific aspect cropped up I would certainly look to refer it up for a definitive ruling :thup:

Duncan

I asked the R&A about a player 'sand papering' his grip during a round. This was deemed to be changing the playing characteristics

 

[duncan mackie]

Duncan

I asked the R&A about a player 'sand papering' his grip during a round. This was deemed to be changing the playing characteristics

Useful - thanks.