Playing with a damaged driver?

[TomLondon]

Hi,

I accidentally hit the back of my driver on a tee sign and made a small hole at the back of the driver head. I put some tape over it as a temporary measure but one of my friends said that that may make the club non-conforming. Can anyone advise whether the club is still legal to use (or not) in a qualifying competition?

Thanks.

 

[Ross61]

Rule 4-3a

If, during a stipulated round

​

, a player’s club is damaged in the normal course of play, he may:
(i) use the club in its damaged state for the remainder of the stipulated round; or
(ii) without unduly delaying play, repair it or have it repaired; or
(iii) as an additional option available only if the club is unfit for play, replace the damaged club with any club. The replacement of a club must not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7) and must not be made by borrowing any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course or by assembling components carried by or for the player during the stipulated round

 

[woody69]

From the relevant Decision:


Q.May a player put an adhesive bandage or tape on the club head 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 club head that does not affect the performance of the club and is semi-permanent, durable, not easily removable and conforms to the shape of the club head 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...."

 

[TomLondon]

Thanks.

Looks like its non-conforming then.

 

[palindromicbob]

Thanks.

Looks like its non-conforming then.

With the tape on it then yes it would fail to conform but depending on the position of the hole you could maybe place a skin over the head which would cover the hole and retain conforming status.

http://www.skinyourclub.co.uk/shop.php?action=index

 

[mikejohnchapman]

So what exactly defines damage to the club? For example does a dent in the top of a metal wood count as damage?

 

[rulefan]

So what exactly defines damage to the club? For example does a dent in the top of a metal wood count as damage?

It is certainly damage but it is only of significance it becomes unfit for play.

Any part of a club that has been purposely altered is regarded as new and must, in its altered state, conform with the Rules.

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

 

[backwoodsman]

So what exactly defines damage to the club? For example does a dent in the top of a metal wood count as damage?

Yes, a dent does count as damage. As does pretty much anything that alters its shape or appearance. But "damage" alone, is not that important. The point is whether that damage or "change" alters whether the club still conforms to the rules. Even if damaged, if it still conforms to the rules, then its ok.

 

[TomLondon]

I currently is the case, the tape I've used is NOT semi-permanent and IS easily removable. Therefore, in my case, mine seems to be non-conforming.

 

[rulefan]

It is non-conforming.

 

[palindromicbob]

I currently is the case, the tape I've used is NOT semi-permanent and IS easily removable. Therefore, in my case, mine seems to be non-conforming.

Remove the tape then. Volia, good chance it's no longer non-conforming .

 

[virtuocity]

OP clearly looking to justify a new driver purchase to his partner.....

 

[TomLondon]

OP clearly looking to justify a new driver purchase to his partner.....

More concerned about ripping it up in the monthly medal and someone then reporting me!