May - 2012

I know I've said this before, but sometimes the Rules of Golf surprise me. Did you know that there's a Rule in the Decisions book regarding the type of clothing you can wear? That your shoes are not allowed in their design to help you build a stance or that the golf glove you wear is very specific as to "plainness?"

I know I've said this before, but sometimes the Rules of Golf surprise me. Did you know that there's a Rule in the Under the section Appendix IV-Devices and Other Equipment, the USGA covers some very interesting areas that I bet you never knew about.

1. Tees (Rule 11) A tee is a device designed to raise the ball off the ground. A tee must not:

• be longer than 4 inches (101.6 mm);
• e designed or manufactured in such a way that it could indicate line of play;
• unduly influence the movement of the ball; or
• otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

2. Gloves (Rule 14-3)
Gloves may be worn to assist the player in gripping the club, provided they are plain.

A "plain" glove must:

• consist of a fitted covering of the hand with a separate sheath or opening for each digit (fingers and thumb); and
• be made of smooth materials on the full palm and gripping surface of the digits.

A "plain" glove must not incorporate:

• material on the gripping surface or inside of the glove, the primary purpose of which is to provide padding or which has the effect of providing padding. Padding is defined as an area of glove material which is more than 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) thicker than the adjacent areas of the glove without the added material;

Note: Material may be added for wear resistance, moisture absorption or other functional purposes, provided it does not exceed the definition of padding (see above).

• straps to assist in preventing the club from slipping or to attach the hand to the club;
• any means of binding digits together;
• material on the glove that adheres to material on the grip;
• features, other than visual aids, designed to assist the player in placing his hands in a consistent and/or specific position on the grip;
• weight to assist the player in making a stroke;
• any feature that might restrict the movement of a joint; or
• any other feature that might assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

3. Shoes (Rule 14-3)
Shoes that assist the player in obtaining a firm stance may be worn. Subject to the conditions of competition, features such as spikes on the sole are permitted, but shoes must not incorporate features:

• designed to assist the player in taking his stance and/or building a stance;
• designed to assist the player with his alignment; or
• that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

4. Clothing (Rule 14-3)
Articles of clothing must not incorporate features:

• designed to assist the player with his alignment; or
• that might otherwise assist the player in making a stroke or in his play.

Derek Duesler