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At the present time, the only significant issue with respect to amputee golfers is the status of prosthetic devices. Decision 14-3/15 clarifies the USGA's position on such devices and is included herein for reference.
An artificial leg or arm is not an artificial device within the meaning of the term in Rule 14-3, even if an artificial leg has been modified to aid the player in playing the game or an artificial arm has a fitting specially designed for gripping a golf club. However, if the Committee believes that an artificial limb so modified would give a player an undue advantage over other players, the Committee has authority to deem it to be an artificial device contrary to Rule 14-3.
Clubs used by a player with an artificial arm must conform with Rule 4-1 except that an attachment may be fitted to the grip or shaft to assist the player to hold the club. However, if the Committee believes that the use of a club modified in this way would give the player an undue advantage over other players, it should deem the attachment an artificial device contrary to Rule 14-3.
The USGA Rules of Golf Committee is in the process of examining the much larger issue of medical devices and their conformance under Rule 14-3. While that analysis has not been completed, the position expressed in Decision 14-3/15 is not likely to change.
A potential issue for some lower extremity amputee golfers who wear a prosthesis is their inability to climb into or out of bunkers, a situation which probably occurs rather infrequently. On that basis, Rule 28 (Unplayable Ball) should govern without further modification.
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