Purpose of Rule: Rule 4 covers the equipment that players may use during a round. Based on the principle that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on the player’s judgment, skills and abilities, the player:
Must use conforming clubs and balls,
Is limited to no more than 14 clubs and
Is restricted in the use of other equipment that gives artificial help to their play.
For detailed requirements for clubs, balls and other equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) and the process for consultation and submission of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) for conformity review, see the Equipment RulesEquipment Rules: The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at usga.org. .
It is new, or
Its playing characteristics have been changed in any way (but see Rule 4.1a(2) when a club is damaged during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.)
But if the playing characteristics of a conforming club change because of wear through normal use, it is still a conforming club.
The “playing characteristics” of a club are any part, feature, or property that affects how the club performs or aids in alignment, including but not limited to, weighting, lie, loft, alignment features and permissible external attachments.
But no matter what the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (but not during a play-off in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), which is a new roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.).
For the rest of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., the player may:
Continue to make strokesStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with the damaged club, or
Except in cases of abuse, repair the club or replace it with another club (see Rule 4.1b(4)).
If the player replaces the damaged club with another club, the player must take the damaged club out of play before making another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).
“Damaged during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. ” means when any part, feature, or property of a club is changed because of any act during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (including while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a), whether:
By the player (such as making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) or practice swing with the club, putting it in or taking it out of a golf bag, dropping or leaning on it, or throwing or abusing it), or
By any other person, outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: or natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity..
But a club is not “damaged during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. ” if its playing characteristics are deliberately changed by the player during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., as covered by Rule 4.1a(3).
By using an adjustable feature or physically changing the club (except when allowed to repair damage under Rule 4.1a(2)), or
By applying any substance to the clubhead (other than in cleaning it) to affect how it performs in making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
Exception – Adjustable Club Restored to Original Position or Non-Permissible External Attachment Removed: There is no penalty and the club may be used to make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) in the following two situations:
If a club’s playing characteristics were changed by using an adjustable feature and, before the club is used to make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the club is restored as nearly as possible to its original position by adjusting the feature back to where it was.
A non-permissible external attachment (such as a sticker on the club face) is removed from the club before the club is used to make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
Penalty for Making StrokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 4.1a: Disqualification.
There is no penalty under this Rule for merely having (but not making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with) a non-conforming club or a club whose playing characteristics were deliberately changed during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
But such a club still counts towards the 14-club limit in Rule 4.1b(1).
Start a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. with more than 14 clubs, or
Have more than 14 clubs during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
This limit includes all clubs carried by or for the player. But it does not include parts of a broken club and separated parts (such as a clubhead, shaft or grip) that are being carried by or for a player at the start of their roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
If the player starts a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. with fewer than 14 clubs, they may add clubs during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. up to the 14-club limit (see Rule 4.1b(4) for restrictions in doing this). A club is considered added when the player makes their next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with any club while the added club is in the player's possession.
When the player becomes aware that they are in breach of this Rule by having more than 14 clubs, the player must take the excess club or clubs out of play before making another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1):
If the player started with more than 14 clubs, they may choose which club or clubs will be taken out of play.
If the player added excess clubs during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., those added clubs are the ones that must be taken out of play.
After a player’s roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. has started, if the player picks up another player’s club that was left behind, or a club is mistakenly put in the player’s bag without their knowledge, the club is not treated as one of the player’s clubs for purposes of the 14-club limit (but it must not be used).
The player must not make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with a club being used by anyone else who is playing on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) (even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition).
When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with another player’s club, the player must take that club out of play before making another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).
Unreasonably delay play (see Rule 5.6a),
Add or borrow any club being carried by or for any other player who is playing on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) (even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition), or
Build a club from parts being carried by or for the player or any other player who is playing on the course (even if the other player is playing in a different group or competition).
When the player becomes aware that they have breached this Rule by adding or replacing a club when not allowed, the player must take that club out of play before making another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).
If the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with a club that is still being carried after being taken out of play before the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (Rule 4.1c(2)) or during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (Rule 4.1c(1)), they are disqualified under Rule 4.1c(1).
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1b: The penalty applies based on when the player becomes aware of the breach:
Player Becomes Aware of Breach While Playing the Hole. The penalty is applied at the end of the hole being played. In match playMatch Play: A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:(...Continued), the player must complete the hole, apply the result of that hole to the match score and then apply the penalty to adjust the match score.
Player Becomes Aware of Breach Between Two Holes. The penalty is applied as of the end of the hole just completed, not the next hole.
Penalty in Match Play – Match Score Revised by Deducting Hole, Maximum of Two Holes:
This is a match adjustment penalty – it is not the same as a loss of hole penalty.
At the end of the hole being played or just completed, the match score is revised by deducting one hole for each hole where a breach happened, with a maximum deduction of two holes in the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
For example, if a player who started with 15 clubs becomes aware of the breach while playing the 3rd hole and then wins that hole to go three up in the match, the maximum adjustment of two holes applies and the player would now be one up in the match.
Penalty in Stroke Play – Two Penalty Strokes, Maximum of Four Strokes: The player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. (two penalty strokes) for each hole where a breach happened, with a maximum of four penalty strokes in the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (adding two penalty strokes at each of the first two holes where a breach happened).
This may be done either by:
Declaring this to the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. in match playMatch Play: A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:(...Continued) or the markerMarker: In stroke play, the person responsible for entering a player’s score on the player’s scorecard and for certifying that scorecard. The marker may be another player, but not a partner.(...Continued) or another player in the group in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), or
Taking some other clear action (such as turning the club upside down in the bag, placing it on the floor of the golf cart or giving the club to another person).
The player must not make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) for the rest of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. with any club taken out of play.
If a club taken out of play is another player’s club, that other player may continue to use the club.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.1c(1): Disqualification.
But as an option without penalty:
The player may take any such excess clubs out of play before the start of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., using the procedure in (1), and
The excess clubs may be kept by the player (but must not be used) during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., and they do not count towards the 14-club limit.
If a player deliberately brings more than 14 clubs to their first teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) and starts the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. without leaving the excess clubs behind, this option is not allowed and Rule 4.1b(1) applies.
A player may get a conforming ball to play from anyone else, including another player on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued).
Penalty for Making StrokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 4.2a: Disqualification.
If a player’s ball breaks into pieces after a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), there is no penalty and the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) does not count.
The player must play another ball from where that strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) was made (see Rule 14.6).
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong PlaceWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 4.2b: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. under Rule 14.7a.
The player may lift the ball to look at it, but:
The spot of the ball must first be markedMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued), and the ball must not be cleaned (except on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued)) (see Rule 14.1).
If the player lifts the ball without having this reasonable belief (except on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) where the player may lift under Rule 13.1b), fails to markMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the spot of the ball before lifting it or cleans it when not allowed, the player gets one penalty stroke.
If the original ball is cut or cracked, the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) either another ball or the original ball on the original spot (see Rule 14.2).
If the original ball is not cut or cracked, the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) it on its original spot (see Rule 14.2).
If a player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at an incorrectly substituted ball, the player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 6.3b
Nothing in this Rule prohibits a player from substitutingSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball under any other Rule or changing balls between two holes.
Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong PlaceWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) in Breach of Rule 4.2c: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. Under Rule 14.7a.
Rule 4.3 applies to all types of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) that a player might use during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., except that the requirement to play with conforming clubs and balls is covered by Rules 4.1 and 4.2, not by this Rule.
This Rule only concerns how equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) is used. It does not limit the equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) that a player may have with them during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
A player may use equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) to help them play during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., except that a player must not create a potential advantage by:
Using equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) (other than a club or a ball) that artificially eliminates or reduces the need for a skill or judgment that is essential to the challenge of the game, or
Using equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) (including a club or a ball) in an abnormal way in making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued). “Abnormal way” means a way that is fundamentally different than its intended use and is not normally recognized as part of playing the game.
This Rule does not affect the application of any other Rule that limits actions a player is allowed to take with a club, ball or other equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) (such as setting down a club or other object to help the player in aiming, see Rule 10.2b(3)).
Common examples of uses of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) that are allowed and not allowed during a player’s roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. under this Rule are:
Allowed. Getting information on distance or direction (such as from a distance-measuring device or compass).
Not Allowed.
Measuring elevation changes, or
Interpreting distance or directional information (such as using a device to get a recommended line of playLine of Play: The line where the player intends their ball to go after a stroke, including the area on that line that is a reasonable distance up above the ground and on either side of that line.(...Continued) or club selection based on the location of the player’s ball), or
Using an alignment device (see definition in Equipment RulesEquipment Rules: The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at usga.org. ) to help align the ball.
Allowed.
Getting any type of weather information (including wind speed) that is available from weather forecasts, or
Measuring temperature and humidity at the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued).
Not Allowed.
Measuring wind speed at the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued), or
Using an artificial object to get other wind-related information (such as using powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon to assess wind direction).
Allowed.
Using information that was gathered before the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (such as playing information from previous roundsRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., swing tips or club recommendations), or
Recording (for use after the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee.) playing or physiological information from the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (such as club distance, playing statistics or heart rate).
Not Allowed.
Processing or interpreting playing information from the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. (such as club recommendations based on current roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. distances), or
Using any physiological information recorded during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee..
Allowed.
Listening to audio or watching video on matters unrelated to the competition being played (such as a news report or background music). But in doing so, consideration should be shown to others (see Rule 1.2).
Not Allowed.
Listening to music or other audio to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo, or
Watching video of the competition that helps the player in choosing a club, making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), or deciding how to play during the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., except that a player may watch video that is being broadcast to spectators at the course, such as on a video scoreboard.
Allowed.
Using a plain glove that meets the requirements in the Equipment RulesEquipment Rules: The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at usga.org. ,
Using resin, powders and other moisturizing or drying agents, or
Wrapping a towel or handkerchief around the grip.
Not Allowed.
Using a glove that does not meet the requirements in the Equipment RulesEquipment Rules: The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at usga.org. , or
Using other equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) that gives an unfair advantage with hand position or grip pressure.
Allowed.
Using any equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) for general stretching (other than in making a practice swing), whether the equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) is designed for stretching, for use in golf (such as an alignment rod placed across the shoulders) or for any purpose unrelated to golf (such as rubber tubing or a section of pipe).
Not Allowed.
Using any type of golf training or swing aid (such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover or “donut”) or a non-conforming club in any way that creates a potential advantage by helping the player in preparing for or making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) (such as help with swing plane, grip, alignment, ball position or posture).
Further guidance on the use of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) described above and other types of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) (such as clothing and shoes) is found in the Equipment RulesEquipment Rules: The specifications and other regulations for clubs, balls and other equipment that players are allowed to use during a round. The Equipment Rules are found at usga.org. .
A player who is uncertain whether they may use a piece of equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) in a particular way should ask the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. for a ruling (see Rule 20.2b).
The player has a medical reason to use the equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued), and
The CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. decides that its use does not give the player any unfair advantage over other players.
Be applied excessively, or
Help the player more than is necessary for the medical reason (for example, it must not immobilize a joint to help the player swing the club).
A player who is uncertain about where or how tape or similar coverings may be applied should ask the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. for a ruling.
Penalty for Breach of Rule 4.3:
Penalty for first breach: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play.. If the breach happens between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.
Penalty for second breach: Disqualification. This penalty applies even if the nature of the breach was entirely different than the breach resulting in the first penalty. This penalty only applies if there has been an intervening event after the first breach (see Rule 1.3c(4)).