Most golfers never think about whether their equipment is legal, and in a casual round it rarely matters. But in competitions, and for handicap rounds, your clubs, ball and devices must conform to the Rules of Golf. Using a non-conforming driver, carrying a 15th club or adjusting a club mid-round can lead to penalties or disqualification. Here is a plain-English guide to what the rules allow.
This guide is a summary. For full details, refer to the official Rules of Golf and the equipment rules.
The 14-club limit
- You may start a round with no more than 14 clubs.
- If you start with fewer, you may add clubs up to 14, as long as you do not delay play or borrow from another player on the course.
- Two players may not share clubs, except partners in team formats who share a bag.
Penalty for too many clubs
| Format | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Stroke play | Two strokes for each hole where the breach happened, maximum four strokes |
| Match play | The match score is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole where the breach happened, maximum two holes |
As soon as you discover an extra club, declare it out of play. Count your clubs on the first tee every time.
Conforming clubs
Clubs must meet detailed design rules. The main ones include:
- Driver head size: maximum 460cc.
- Length: maximum 48 inches for clubs other than putters. A local rule can set a lower limit for drivers in elite competitions.
- Face springiness: limited, so the face cannot act like a trampoline.
- Grooves: limits on groove size, shape and spacing on irons and wedges.
- Grips: must generally be circular in cross-section; putters may have a non-circular grip, and may have two grips.
- Plain shape: clubs must be generally traditional in form; attachments that help you aim or swing are not allowed.
Most clubs from established manufacturers conform. Problems can arise with:
- Counterfeit clubs. Read clone and counterfeit golf clubs.
- Modified clubs, such as faces ground too thin.
- Some very old clubs, especially old wedges with grooves that do not meet current limits.
- Specialist "non-conforming" clubs marketed for extra distance.
Governing bodies publish lists of conforming drivers, and of clubs that do not conform.
Adjustable clubs
- You may adjust a club before the round.
- During the round, you must not deliberately change its performance characteristics, for example by changing the loft setting or moving weights.
- If you make a stroke with a club whose settings you changed during the round, the penalty is disqualification.
- If a setting changes accidentally (for example, a loose head), you may restore it.
Read how to choose a driver.
Damaged clubs
- If a club is damaged during the round, you may continue to use it, or have it repaired, even if the damage changed its characteristics.
- You may replace a damaged club only if the damage was not caused by you, for example by an outside influence. Damaging a club in anger does not allow a replacement.
- A club that was already damaged before the round must conform.
Anchoring
When making a stroke, you must not anchor the club against your body, either directly or by using your forearm against your body as an anchor point. Long putters and some grips remain legal if used without anchoring. Read the putting yips.
Golf balls
- The ball must conform to limits on size, weight, initial velocity and overall distance.
- Most balls from established manufacturers conform. Competitions may require that the ball is on the list of conforming golf balls.
- Some elite competitions use a "one ball" condition, requiring you to use the same brand and model throughout.
- You may change your ball between holes. During a hole, you may replace it only when the rules allow, such as after taking relief or if it is cut or cracked.
- Refurbished balls that have been restamped may not match their original model. Read used golf balls.
Distance-measuring devices
- Rangefinders, GPS devices and apps that measure distance are allowed, unless a local rule prohibits them.
- Slope and elevation: you may not use a device to measure elevation changes during a round. A device with a slope function is allowed if the function is switched off.
- Wind speed and direction: devices that measure wind may not be used during a round, though you may use general weather forecasts.
- Club recommendations: devices that suggest which club to use or how to play are not allowed during a round.
Read rangefinder vs GPS and golf apps and online tools.
Training aids and other equipment
During a round, you may not use equipment to help you make a stroke in a way that is not allowed, for example:
- Placing an alignment stick on the ground to help you aim or swing.
- Using a swing training aid or weighted club to practise during the round, other than in limited ways.
- Using gloves or tape for help beyond what the rules allow, such as gloves that give unfair grip.
You may use plain gloves, rosin, a towel to dry your hands, and tape for medical reasons. You may not set a club or any other object on the ground to help you aim when you take your stance. Check the rules before relying on any aid. Read golf training aids and simulators.
Medical and disability exceptions
The rules include special provisions for golfers with disabilities and medical needs, including the use of mobility devices and certain equipment adaptations. Check the modified rules for players with disabilities.
Checklist before a competition
- Count your clubs: 14 or fewer.
- Check adjustable clubs are set as you want them.
- Use a conforming ball, and know the competition's conditions.
- Turn off any slope function on your rangefinder.
- Leave training aids in the bag or the car.
Read your first golf competition and golf rules every golfer should know.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I carry 15 clubs?
In stroke play, a two-stroke penalty for each hole where you had the extra club, up to four strokes. In match play, a deduction of one hole per hole, up to two holes.
Can I use a rangefinder in a competition?
Usually yes, unless a local rule bans them. You must not use a slope or elevation function.
Are old clubs still legal?
Most are, but some older wedges and drivers may not meet current limits. Check before using them in competition.
Can I change my driver's loft during a round?
No. You may adjust it before the round, but deliberately changing it during the round and then using it leads to disqualification.
The bottom line
Most golfers' equipment is perfectly legal. To stay safe, count your clubs, avoid counterfeit and modified equipment, leave adjustable settings alone during the round, use a conforming ball, switch off slope functions and keep training aids in the bag. Then you can concentrate on what matters: your score. For more on equipment history, read the evolution of golf clubs.