a) Altered playing characteristics
During an established round, the playing characteristics of a golf club may not be intentionally altered by modification or in any other way.
b) Foreign material
Foreign material may not be attached to the clubface for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.
*PENALTYFOR CARRYING A BALL THAT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH RULE 4-1 or 4-2 WITHOUT PLAYING IT: Hole play
- After completion of the hole on which the offense was discovered, the score of the hole play shall be corrected, deducting one hole for each hole on which an offense occurred, up to a maximum of two holes per round.
- Counting game
- Two strokes for each hole in which an infringement occurred, up to a maximum of four strokes per round.
- Counting game or hole play
- In the event of an infringement between two holes, the penalty applies to the next hole.
- For competitions against par see Note 1 to Rule 32-1a.
- Stableford competitionssee Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.
*Any club carried in breach of Rule 4-1 or 4-2 must, after it has been established that a breach has occurred, be immediately declared neutral by the player to his opponent in stroke play or to his counter or a competitor in stroke play. If the player fails to do so, he is disqualified.
PENALTY FOR PLAYING A CLUB WITH A CLUB THAT IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH RULES 4-1 or 4-2: Disqualification
Status: 2018