Using a broken club...

[delc]

so some of you say its non conforming, some of you say its OK to continue to use

glad we got that sorted

A small crack in the clubhead probably wouldn't make it non-conforming. A missing part leaving a hole in the clubhead, as in the Charles Howell III case, probably would. :mmm:

 

[MarkA]

To reply to OP - unless OP says otherwise I'd suggest that the crack has occurred from wear through normal use - (albeit that the manufacturing may not have been up to full quality spec, hence the damage arising). It was supplied to you as conforming when you got it, and so IMHO is still conforming. I can't see why it would not still meet the various requirements of rules Appendix II through having a minor crack? So I think you can continue to use it in as many rounds as you like until a replacement arrives.

Unless the guru's think differently that is.

I wouldn't be using it from the safety aspect having had a driver head explode on me once before ( also a Callaway) - just consider the safety of yourself and your playing partners - if its broken either get it fixed replaced or bin it and ps surely the rule only refers to equipment damaged during a round, if you knowingly start a round with broken/ non conforming equipment then you must face DQ.

 

[rulefan]

if you knowingly start a round with broken/ non conforming equipment then you must face DQ.

Using the word 'equipment' is confusing as the rule only applies to clubs.

Assuming your '/' means 'or' not 'and', that is not so.

[h=4]4-3c. Damage Prior to Round[/h]A player may use a club damaged prior to a round, provided the club, in its damaged state, conforms with the Rules.

 

[doublebogey7]

But a damaged club is not necessarily, a non conforming club. Otherwise a simple sky mark would render a club non conforming.

 

[Foxholer]

Ian.

As per the CH3 DQ, I believe you have a club that hasn't been tested for conformity, therefore is 'non-conforming'!

It also means that my old FT3 (Donk) needs to have the plastic bit on the bottom, that is currently missing after being broken by a drop-kick drive on a frozen tee, replaced, as it too is non-conforming.

And if you play with it as is in a comp (requiring conforming clubs) that Fragger is also in, and he doesn't notify The Committee, thenI believe he too needs to be DQ-ed, as it's agreement to waive Rules - the dilemma Faldo (may have) had with Sandy Lyle's sticking plaster on his too shiny Putter!

 

[Imurg]

Its on its way back to Callaway now so its a moot point.
Does seem a bit harsh your FT3 being "off" just because the V has come off...if that's the case then surely any damage to a club can be deemed such...?
A dent in the head (Alex!), even a big paint chip could be considered as potentially changing characteristics....
Could be a few replacing clubs after reading this....

 

[rulefan]

There seems to be some confusion about the difference between playing characteristics and non conforming and when which rule applies or doesn't.

 

[duncan mackie]

Colin
Read post #2 again, not delc's second post

indeed - but then again post #2 was wrong for the reason stated in post #3, and stated again by you in post #23...............

 

[delc]

You can start a round with a damaged club as long as it still conforms with the equipment rules. Things that would make it non-conforming would include a bent shaft and loose or missing components. You may complete a round with a damaged club as long as the damage was caused in the normal course of play.