Over time, and with the advances of modern technology, golf equipment has dramatically changed. Whether it’s the ball, club, grip, shaft or any other piece of golf gear, many rules and considerations apply to each, and these are often unknown or unclear to many golfers. Here are some fun golf equipment rules and facts:
CLUBS & SHAFTS
▪During a round, the performance characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by another means (Rule 4.1a (3)).
▪ The minimum length of a club must be 18 inches and, except for putters, must not exceed 48 inches.
▪The first steel shaft was invented in 1925.
▪The shaft on a club must twist the same amount in both directions.
▪Although the maximum number of clubs to be used in a round is 14, a player can start the round with fewer than 14 and add clubs during the round, up to the 14-club limit.
CLUBHEAD
▪The first clubhead made of iron was designed around 1750.
▪The persimmon wood first appeared around 1900.
▪Holes through the head are not permitted on wood heads.
▪The volume of the clubhead must not exceed 460 cc (cubic centimeters).
▪Only one striking face is allowed on a clubhead, except that a putter may have two striking faces if all the characteristics are the same (i.e. bullseye putter).
▪There is a conforming driver-head list that is updated every Monday by The R&A and USGA.
GRIPS
▪Grips must be straight and plain in form and fixed to the shaft.
▪Two separate grips may be installed only on a putter, provided each is circular in cross section and separated by 1.5 inches.
▪Resin or other drying agents can be used to assist in gripping the club.
▪A player can even wrap a towel or handkerchief around the grip and make a stroke with it.
BALLS
▪The first golf ball, made of wood, appeared in the 14th century, a more modern ball, constructed with a rubber core, appeared around the turn of the 20th century.
▪ The weight of a golf ball must not exceed 1.62 oz., and a ball cannot be bigger than 1.68 inches in diameter.
▪Substances such as chapstick or Vaseline cannot be applied to the ball to reduce spin.
▪Just like driver heads, The R&A and USGA have a conforming ball list, which is updated before the first Wednesday of every month.
TEES
▪ Cannot be longer than 4 inches or designed or manufactured in a way that influences play.
