Number of clubs?

[backwoodsman]

Hi. One for the rules historians, please.

Had a discussion in 19th yesterday where one person was adamant that if you had less than 14 clubs, once you had started your round, that was it, you could not add more to bring the number up to 14. He was only convinced otherwise when we showed him a copy of the rule book (rule 4-4). He then said, "well, that's changed then. It never used to be like that."

So, is that the case? Was there a time when adding clubs (to bring up to 14) was not allowed under the rules? If so, how long ago. Personally, I don’t recall a change, (at least, not in anything like recent times)

 

[rulefan]

I can find no evidence that there was ever such a rule. The 14 limit dates back to 1938 (USGA) / 1939 (R&A).

The Clubs used by a player during a round shall not exceed fourteen, and the Clubs carried shall be restricted to that number.

In 1950 the rule said

Before starting a stipulated round the player shall select his clubs, which must not exceed fourteen in number. He is limited to the clubs so selected for that round, except that, without unduly delaying play, he may:-
(i) if he started with fewer than fourteen add as many as will bring his total to that number;
(ii) replace a club which becomes unfit for play in the normal course of play.
The addition or replacement of a club or clubs must not be made by borrowing from a partner, opponent or fellow-competitor.

 

[rosecott]

The restriction of 14 clubs came in 1939.

The rule specifying adding clubs up to the maximum came in 1950.

 

[rulefan]

There was no restriction on adding between 1938/9 and 1950. It was simply made explicit in 1950.

 

[backwoodsman]

Ta all, you've confirmed what i thought. That the original "as many as you like" was limited to 14 in 38/39. And that you could add , to bring it up to fourteen since then. Funny how these "non-rules" materialise?

The second half of his argument was that you could have up to 14 clubs "... one of which has to be a putter ..." Again it was only when we showed him the book & pointed out that nowhere does it mention one club having to be a putter did he acquiesce. Anyone heard that one before?

 

[rulefan]

The second half of his argument was that you could have up to 14 clubs "... one of which has to be a putter ..." Again it was only when we showed him the book & pointed out that nowhere does it mention one club having to be a putter did he acquiesce. Anyone heard that one before?

Yes. It often goes with the rule that you must always use a putter on the putting green.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Yes. It often goes with the rule that you must always use a putter on the putting green.

These "rules" stem from the three primary ways rules are taught.

From older players
From friends
From assumptions in like with perceived common sense and experience.

All three can lead to misinformation, misinterpretation and creation of non-existent rules which then propogate, persist and conflict.

Formal instruction and testing on rules is probably not even on the list...

Everyone who plays in competitions should be actively participating some kind of rules awareness programme

 

[alexandral]

in my personal view, it shouldnt have limitation of number of club. it is not fine.

 

[rulefan]

in my personal view, it shouldnt have limitation of number of club. it is not fine.

How many would you like to carry?

 

[rulie]

There was talk about 6-8 years ago to limit the player to the number of clubs he started his round with, still a maximum of 14 and still permitting replacement for damaged clubs. I've also seen discussion about reducing the maximum to 10 or 12 in order to increase the skill component of playing. Of course, equipment makers/suppliers are not in favour of reductions!

 

[Green Man]

Further to this it was mentioned when I was playing last week that you can change the setup of an adjustable club as long as you are not carrying 14 clubs.

So if you only have 13 clubs in your bag you could change the loft settings of your driver once. The change would count as a 14th club therefore within the rules.

I took no notice as it doesn't sound right to me but is this correct?

 

[rulefan]

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