Hi Linda,
I was asked a question and did not know how to answer, so here it goes:
My driver is damaged on the second hole, club head breaks, not caused by temper. Can I replace my driver while on the golf course? Let’s say I call the pro shop and ask them to bring out the identical club?
Thanks,
Lulu from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Dear Lulu,
You may not replace a damaged club unless the club was damaged by an outside influence, natural forces, or any person other than the player or her caddie [Rule 4.1b(3)].
While you may not replace the damaged club, you may have it repaired during the round, provided you do not unreasonably delay play. In repairing the club you must use the original grip, shaft, and clubhead.
However, the USGA and R&A published two new clarifications this month (April) to the Rules. One of those clarifications allows the Committee to adopt a new Local Rule (G-9), which states:
If a player’s club is “broken or significantly damaged” during the round by the player or caddie, except in cases of abuse, the player may replace the club with any club under Rule 4.1b(4).
When replacing a club, the player must immediately take the broken or significantly damaged club out of play, using the procedure in Rule 4.1c(1).
If your Committee adopts this Local Rule, you may replace a club damaged during the round, except in the case of abuse by you or your caddie.
Linda
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