Frequently Asked Questions: Equipment

Click on the following link for information regarding submission: Getting Equipment Tested

Yes, chippers are iron clubs not putters, and therefore must conform with the requirements for woods and irons. For example, chippers may not have a putter grip, two striking faces or appendages for aiming purposes. See Part 2, Sections 1 through 5 of the Equipment Rules.

A player can place a shaft in any orientation to the clubhead provided the desired orientation is not for the purpose of influencing the club's performance (e.g., to attempt to correct for a hook or slice). Additionally, manufacturers of clubs may orientate or align shafts which have spines for uniformity in assembling sets or in an effort to make the shafts perform as if they were perfectly symmetrical (i.e., aligning in a neutral position). However, a shaft which has been manufactured and/or orientated for the purpose of influencing the performance of a club would be contrary to the intent of Part 2, Section 2b of the Equipment Rules.

Yes, they have been grandfathered under USGA Rules. When playing in Europe or Asia and other regions not under the jurisdiction of the USGA, please contact The R&A.

Yes, provided that the device is used to measure distance only. A device may have additonal functionality (e.g., the capability to measure wind, elevation, etc.), provided those functions are not used during a round. Click here to view our DMD infographic.

No, external attachments to the clubface are not permitted under Part 2, Section 1a of the Equipment Rules.

Yes, it is permitted as an exception to Part 2, Section 1a of the Equipment Rules.

Yes, provided they are both circular in cross-section and properly spaced apart (at least 1.5"). See Part 2, Section 3(v) of the Equipment Rules. These grips do not need to have the same diameter, but the diameter must be no more than 1.75" measured in any direction. See Part 2, Section 3(iii) of the Equipment Rules. A grip with a reminder rib is not considered to be circular in cross-section.

No, this is not considered to be a slightly raised rib. See Part 2, Section 3(i) of the Equipment Rules.

No, Part 2, Section 1a of the Equipment Rules states that the club shall be composed of a shaft and a head.

No, Part 2, Section 2c of the Equipment Rules states that the shaft shall be attached to the clubhead at the heel through a single plain neck and/or socket. A putter shaft or neck or socket may be fixed at any point in the head.

This measurement is made along the axis of the shaft, or the neck or socket, to the bottom of the sole of the club. See Part 2, Section 2c of the Equipment Rules. See also the illustrations under Figure 14 and Figure 17 in the Equipment Rules.

The USGA typically does not evaluate training aids unless they are capable of being used during a round. If so, it is likely that use of a training aid would not be allowed under Rule 4.3 during a round. A player who is uncertain whether he or she may use a piece of equipment in a particular way should ask the Committe for a ruling prior to use.

Braces of this type are generally not permitted under Rule 4.3. However, items designed to be used for a specific medical condition are considered on an individual basis. Requests of this nature should be submitted to the Committee.

All golf balls that are sent to the USGA or The R&A for conformance evaluation that are tested and found to conform to the Equipment Rules are published on a monthly basis on the List of Conforming Golf Balls, which can be found at Conforming Golf Ball List. X-out balls are normally not submitted for evaluation and are not considered representative of balls with similar markings that may be on the List. As a player, you should check to see if the List of Conforming Golf Balls is in effect as a Local Rule at your club or event. If it is not, a golf ball may be used under the Rules of Golf provided it is not obviously non-conforming or advertised as such (see Interpretations 4.2a(1)/1 and 4.2a(1)/2 in the Official Guide to the Rules of Golf).

Grooves may be shaped in a variety of ways, including square, "V" shaped or "U" shaped, provided their sides do not converge, they have a symmetrical cross-section and they meet all other specifications under Part 2, Section 5c of the Equipment Rules. Also, see Figures 48, 49, and 50 of the Equipment Rules.

Yes, provided the adjustment mechanism is not readily adjustable. See Part 2, Section 1b of the Equipment Rules. A locking mechanism is required to ensure the shaft is not readily adjustable. An Allen screw placed through the joint of a pool-cue type shaft would suffice. It is recommended that adjustable features for clubs be submitted to the USGA's Equipment Standards department for evaluation.

A decorative sandblasting is permissible however, it may not exceed 180 micro inches (Ra) in roughness. Very fine milling is also permitted, but must not exceeded a peak to trough depth of no greater than 0.001".

No, Rule 4.1a(3) states that a player must not make a stroke with a club whose performance characteristics he or she deliberately changed during a round, such as by applying any substance to the clubhead (other than in cleaning it) to affect how it performs in making a stroke. “Performance characteristics” means any part of the club that affects how it performs in making a stroke, such as its grip, shaft, clubhead or lie or loft (including lie or loft of an adjustable club).

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