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Rule 4.3

Equipment

Also searched as: aids, grip aid, swing aid, training aid, alignment stick, headphones, music during the round, towel on the grip, tape

You may use equipment that helps you play, as long as it does not take away skill or judgment that is part of the game and you do not use it in an abnormal way when making a stroke.

For the most common cases, Rule 4.3 sets out what is allowed and what is not:

  • Distance and direction: Getting distance or directional information, for example from a distance-measuring device or a compass, is allowed. Measuring elevation changes and getting recommendations on the line of play or club selection based on where your ball lies are not.
  • Wind and weather: You may look up weather forecasts, including wind speed, and measure temperature and humidity. Measuring wind speed on the course or using powder or a ribbon to check the wind direction is not allowed.
  • Notes and data: You may use information you gathered before the round, such as distances from earlier rounds or swing notes. You may record data during the round, but only analyse it afterwards.
  • Music and video: Background music or the news is allowed, as long as you show consideration for others. Music that gives you the tempo for your swing or blocks out distractions is not allowed, nor are videos of the competition that help you with club selection or the stroke.
  • Grip: A towel or handkerchief around the grip, resin, powder and a normal glove are allowed. Aids that give you an undue advantage with your hand position or grip pressure are not.
  • Stretching and practice: You may stretch with anything, including an alignment stick across your shoulders. A practice swing with a training aid, such as an alignment stick or a weight on the club, is not allowed.

Equipment used for medical reasons is allowed if the Committee decides it gives you no undue advantage. You may use tape or similar dressings for any medical reason, but not in a way that helps your swing. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask the Committee first.