3. The Grip
a. Definition
Appendix II, 3 begins by stating that:
| | The
grip consists of material added to the shaft to enable the player to
obtain a firm hold. The grip must be straight and plain in form, must
extend to the end of the shaft and must not be molded for any part of
the hands. If no material is added, that portion of the shaft designed
to be held by the player must be considered the grip. |
The
grip is principally for the purpose of assisting the player in
obtaining a firm hold — so that the club does not slip or twist out of
the player’s hand.
In
order to accommodate both hands, the grip must be at least seven inches
(177.8 mm) in length. This also applies to clubs which have been
designed to be used one-handed. For putters with two grips, see The
Grip, Section 3c.
When
no material is added to the part of the shaft designed to be held by
the player, the Rules relating to the grip take precedence over the
Rules relating to the shaft. Therefore, equal bending in any direction would not be required in that area (see Design of Clubs, Section 2b).
When
examining grips, it is sometimes very difficult to make a ruling
without examining and comparing examples of other grips which are known
to either conform or not conform. However, this is not something which
would normally be possible in the field. It may help to remember that
the overall consideration is that a grip “must not be molded for any
part of the hands.”
If a certain feature on the grip enables the
player to place his hands in exactly the same position every time,
solely by feel and without actually looking at the grip, then it must
be determined whether that feature renders the grip “molded for the
hands.” An extreme example of a grip which would be ruled “molded for
the hands” is the type of ‘training grip’ often used to help beginners.
However, a grip which has subtle changes in surface texture would
usually be considered conforming. Likewise, printed markings which
assist with the correct placement of the hands visually would not
normally be considered non-conforming. Most of the details contained in
Design of Clubs, Sections 3b and 3c serve to clarify and expand on this
basic principle.
b. Cross-section
Appendix II, 3(i) and (ii) states that:
| | (i)
For clubs other than putters the grip must be circular in
cross-section, except that a continuous, straight, slightly raised rib
may be incorporated along the full length of the grip, and a slightly
indented spiral is permitted on a wrapped grip or a replica of one. (ii)
A putter grip may have a non-circular cross-section, provided the
cross-section has no concavity, is symmetrical and remains generally
similar throughout the length of the grip. |
Grips
on woods and iron clubs are allowed to deviate from circular by having
a slightly raised rib running along the full length of the grip (often
called a “reminder rib”).
“Slightly
raised” is interpreted to mean that the maximum and minimum diameters
of the cross-section at any point must not differ by more than 0.040
inches (1 mm). This measurement can be taken using a pair of calipers.
In
the case of a standard length grip (approximately 10 inches (254 mm) in
length), the “full length of the grip” is interpreted to mean that the
rib must extend to within 3 inches (76.2mm) of the tip. This is
generally regarded as enough to cover the span of the player’s hands on
the grip.
As
clearly stated in the rule, a putter grip may have a non-circular
cross-section, provided that, among other things, the cross-section
remains generally similar throughout the length of the grip.
In
order to accommodate the popular (and somewhat traditional)
‘pistol-type’ putter grips, the phrase “generally similar” is
interpreted to mean: (i) that the butt (top) end of the grip should not
involve a sharp change in slope or dramatic flare on the underside (see
Figures 14(a) and (b)); and (ii) that the flat front must extend to
within one inch of the top and bottom ends (see Figures 14(b) and (c)).
Features such
as lines, dots, or other patterned indentations, which are too small to
fit even the smallest of fingers, would not of themselves cause a grip
to be in breach of the Rules. Such features would not normally render a
grip non-circular in cross-section (for irons and woods) or not
generally similar throughout the length of the grip (putters).
Simulated
leather wrapped grips molded out of a rubber-like material with an
indented spiral or other similar indentations are permitted, as long as
the fingers cannot comfortably fit in between the spirals or
indentations.
c. Two Grips
Appendix II, 3(v) states that:
| | A putter may have two grips provided that each is circular in cross-
section, the axis of each coincides with the axis of the shaft, and
they are separated by at least 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). |
If a putter were allowed to have two non-circular grips, it would be possible to
mount the grips such that their cross-section would not be “generally
similar” throughout the entire length (see Design of Clubs, Section
3b). For this reason, putters which have two grips must have two circular grips.
Where
a putter has two grips, these grips are only considered “separate” if
the gap between them is at least 1.5 inches (38.1mm) in length. If such
a gap does not exist, the total length from the bottom of the lower
“grip” to the top of the upper one is considered “one grip.” Therefore,
in both of the instances mentioned above, it is unlikely that the grip
would conform if two conventional grips were used. Either the exposed
piece of shaft between the two “grips” would constitute a waist, or the
fact that two grips met in the middle would cause a bulge. The second
example may be overcome if the lower grip was a continuation of the top
grip, i.e., a continuation of the same taper.
If
a putter does have two grips, the upper grip must be at least 5 inches
in length. If the grip does not satisfy this requirement, it would be
considered to be ‘molded for the hands.’
Please note that it is not permissible for wood or iron clubs, including
chippers, to have more than one grip.
