Golf rule: Players are allowed to replace broken clubs during a round

The new rule changes will take effect on January 1, 2023, making golf more enjoyable for players everywhere. The updated rules regarding damaged clubs are one example.

Before 2019, clubs damaged during normal play could continue to be used, repaired, or replaced, but if damaged outside of normal play, they were completely out of play. Under the 2019 rule, players were allowed to continue using damaged clubs in any way, but replacements were not permitted regardless of the cause of damage. However, under the new rules effective from 2023, this will no longer be the case.

New rule change

Under the revised Rule 4.1, players are now permitted to continue using or repairing any club damaged during play, regardless of the extent of the damage, even if the damage was caused intentionally, such as by breaking or bending the club in frustration. However, players are not allowed to replace the club unless it is damaged during play by an external force or natural cause, or by someone other than the player or their caddie. According to governing bodies, this rule change will benefit players in numerous ways:

• It helps players avoid the potential disqualification that could occur in the past when a player struck something in frustration and then continued to use the club without realizing that the shaft might be slightly bent or otherwise damaged.

• Players now have the option to continue using the damaged club or switch to a different one. Previously, a player who had damaged their putter in a fit of anger would not have been allowed to use it for the remainder of the round (even if it was still usable) and would therefore have to putt with a different club.

The lesser-known rule change regarding club replacement.

Another, less publicized update to the rules governing conforming golf clubs will also take effect January 1, potentially inspired by a regrettable rules violation on the PGA Tour this year.

Rory Sabbatini had just finished the opening round of the 2022 RSM Classic when he looked at the head of his fairway wood and noticed something was amiss. The stickers on the face were testing stickers he had used on the range. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to remove them before his round. After notifying the rules official of the issue, Sabbatini was disqualified under Rule 4.1 for having an "external attachment not conforming to the face of the club which he used in play.

However, starting January 1st, that rule will change slightly. Under the updated Rule 4.1a(3), players will be permitted to remove any face markings from a club before play without penalty and then continue to use that club for the round. Previously, the rule prohibited the use of the club even after the markings had been removed. Feel confident and comfortable on the course with our golf fashion.

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