Club question?

[Big Johnny69]

Question for all you rules experts.

If someone was using a set of irons and found them too long. But until they got the chance to get them cut down is a player allowed to mark on his grip (say with a strip of tape) where he feels most comfortable gripping the club?

[jvincent]

I don't think tape would be allowed since it might qualify as a "training aid".

However if you drew a line on the grip with marker or otherwise coloured the area (with paint for example) that you didn't want to grip you would probably be OK.

[gbower]

I'm sure you could draw a line on the clubs. I know someone that is aging that wrote both sides on the face of his putter so that he could remember to check the line from both sides.

[AAA]

I don't think tape would be allowed since it might qualify as a "training aid".

However if you drew a line on the grip with marker or otherwise coloured the area (with paint for example) that you didn't want to grip you would probably be OK.

Why would coloured marker ink or paint not be a training aid if tape is?
What rule forbids the use of tape?

Now, if he were to put tape on his fingers, that might be a problem.

[Chieflongtee]

Why? Tiger has tape on one of his fingers.

[jvincent]

Why would coloured marker ink or paint not be a training aid if tape is?
What rule forbids the use of tape?

I wasn't sure if the tape would count. I did a quick check and couldn't find anything but I have a recollection of things that are "removable" not being allowed with lead tape on the clubhead being one of the noted exceptions.

One could make the arguement that marker or paint are not "removable" in the same way that tape or a band aid is.

[zoic]

Just take some masking tape, place two pieces leaving a 1/8" band around the club (at the desired point), then a can of gold metallic spray paint and voila, clubs fits for royalty, golden ring trimming and all. (Note: do not forget to remove tape)

[LobWedge]

I don't see anything in the rules relating directly to tape on the grip end of the club. I know of players that use adhesive gauze tape or grip tape to build up their putter grips. I am of the mind that as long as the tape isn't built up to provide a "waist" or "bulge", as described in the rules, it would be fine.

[Hacker]

I don't see anything in the rules relating directly to tape on the grip end of the club. I know of players that use adhesive gauze tape or grip tape to build up their putter grips. I am of the mind that as long as the tape isn't built up to provide a "waist" or "bulge", as described in the rules, it would be fine.

I have a bulge around my waist........is that allowed under the rules???

[Chieflongtee]

I have a bulge around my waist........is that allowed under the rules???

If you do you most probably have a roll as well

[Hacker]

If you do you most probably have a roll as well

OK, how you're just getting Personal!!!

[AAA]

Why? Tiger has tape on one of his fingers.

It's having one piece of tape on two (or more) fingers that may be a problem.

[Corkscrew]

1. Tape application to an unravelling leather grip is a legitimate repair, whether top or bottom.
2. A number of grips are manufactured with diagrams on them of where to put the hands.
3. Tape on two or more fingers can be in the category of a glove, be it half or whole hand.

[AAA]

3. Tape on two or more fingers can be in the category of a glove, be it half or whole hand.

I was alluding to Decision 14-3/8, which in part says

However, if a player binds fingers together with tape solely to aid himself in gripping the club, he is in breach of Rule 14-3.

[jonf]

so you can tape as many fingers as you want, as long as you don't CONNECT them with tape, correct?

[AAA]

so you can tape as many fingers as you want, as long as you don't CONNECT them with tape, correct?

The full wording is below. What do you think?

The use of adhesive tape for any medical reason, e.g., to reduce blisters or to eliminate the possibility of skin splits between the fingers, is not contrary to the Rules. However, if a player binds fingers together with tape solely to aid himself in gripping the club, he is in breach of Rule 14-3.
Applying tape to a golf glove to prevent the glove from slipping or to reduce wear is not a breach of Rule 14-3.

[jonf]

Seemes to me that taping each finger individually would not be "binding fingers together". Do you read it differently?

[downhillslider]

As for the tape, I thought is was the tackiness that the rule was for. I know that you are not allowed a foreign substance such as pine tar or rosen on your glove or grip to help you grip the club.

[Corkscrew]

As for the tape, I thought is was the tackiness that the rule was for. I know that you are not allowed a foreign substance such as pine tar or rosen on your glove or grip to help you grip the club.

14-3. Artificial Devices and Unusual Equipment The Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices and unusual equipment and make or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.

A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 should consult the RCGA.

A manufacturer may submit to the RCGA a sample of an item to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a stipulated round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 14-3. The sample becomes the property of the RCGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample before manufacturing and/or marketing the item, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the item would be contrary to the Rules.

Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment:
a.. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b.. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or
c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
(i) plain gloves may be worn;
(ii)) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
(iii)) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

Just thought I'd pass this on regarding the issue. Questions ref substances covered by (ii) could keep the RCGA rules committee busy!
Regards
Chris

[AAA]

Seemes to me that taping each finger individually would not be "binding fingers together". Do you read it differently?

I would suggest these are the operative words.

The use of adhesive tape for any medical reason, e.g., to reduce blisters or to eliminate the possibility of skin splits between the fingers, is not contrary to the Rules.

The 'However ....' sentenceis just one example of inappropriate use.