Amputee Golfers
At present, 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 here for reference.
14-3/15 Artificial Limbs
An artificial leg or arm is an artificial device within the meaning of
the term in Rule 14-3. However, as such a device is used to alleviate
a medical condition and the player has a legitimate medical reason to
use the device, Exception 1 to Rule 14-3 applies, even if an artificial
leg has been modified to aid a player in playing the game or an
artificial arm has a fitting specially designed for gripping a golf club.
However, the Committee must be satisfied that an artificial limb so
modified does not give the player any undue advantage over other
players. If the Committee is not satisfied of this, Exception 1 to
Rule 14-3 does not apply and use of the device would constitute a
breach of Rule 14-3.
Clubs used by a player with an artificial arm must conform with Rule
4-1 except than 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.
Players in doubt about the use of a device should raise the matter as
soon as possible with the Committee.
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.
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
that probably occurs rather infrequently. On that basis Rule 28
(Unplayable Ball) should apply without need for further modification.