Know the Rules - Equipment

Scott R Chilcutt, Kerrville, TX (January 27, 2012)  While the eyes of golf are on the PGA Merchandise Show this week in Orlando we thought it would be appropriate to follow up our "KNOW the RULES" segments with "Equipment" and clothing.  We won't be getting into conforming clubs but simply some of the USGA rules we follow and some areas where the Am Tour may make exceptions.

LIMITATIONS OF GOLF BALL:   The one ball rule is not in effect with most AM Tour events unless otherwise stated on the Notice to Contestants, however a player must complete the hole playing the same type of ball.

Note Rule 16-1b, the Rule that allows the player to lift his ball from the putting green, does not permit the player to substitute another ball; this precludes the player from substituting a “putting ball.”

MAXIMUM 14 CLUBS: Rule 4-4 -  The player must not start a stipulated round with more than fourteen clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that round, except that if he started with fewer than fourteen clubs, he may add any number, provided his total number does not exceed fourteen.

Repacing (damage / broken) or adding clubs (if you've started with under 14 clubs) can only be done during the round if this process does not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7), and (3) none of the clubs  have been selected for play by any other person playing on the course.  In other words, you cannot borrow another players golf club as a replacement / addition.

Please note that training and/or weighted clubs are considered one of the 14 club maximum.

DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICE:  Rule 14-3 - USGA conforming DMD's are allowed at all local, Major and National Tournaments on the Am Tour.  Cell phones may also be used as DMD's providing it's USGA conforming as well.

Features that would include, SLOPE, WINDSPEED and DIRECTION along with climate-based information such as TEMPATURE, HUMIDITY, etc.. render the device non conforming.

Such non-conforming features render use of the device contrary to the Rules, irrepective of whether or not the features can be swithced off or disenganged.

With PDA's there must be no other features or applications installed on the device that, if used, would be in breach of the Rules, whether or not they are actually used.

DRESS CODE:  While some golf courses may have further requirements, the Am Tour will strictly enforce a tournament dress code with no exceptions. Collared shirts/mock turtle necks are required, and no jeans, denims, jogging outfits, or sweat pants are permitted.

As always if you have questions, comments or need further assitance please let us know!

For more information:
Scott R Chilcutt
Tour Director
Dallas / Fort Worth - Hill Country - Oklahoma
Golf Channel Amateur Tour
405.513.1467 - 972.201.9478
schilcutt@gcamtour.com
www.gcamtour.com

Visit the Tour Blogs:

Dallas - gcatdallas.blogspot.com - Hill Country - gcatsanantonio.blogspot.com

Oklahoma - gcatoklahoma.blogspot.com