USGA and R&A Issue New Local Rule Allowing Replacement of Broken or Significantly Damaged Clubs

The USGA and R&A have provided a clarification that introduces a new Local Rule, allowing players to replace a broken or significantly damaged club, except in cases of abuse. 

 

The Local Rule reverses a change that was implemented under the new Rules of Golf.  Prior to 2019, a club damaged during the normal course of play could be replaced during a round.  However, that allowance was prohibited when the new Rules went into effect on January 1st.  Players were still free to use the damaged club, but couldn't replace it. 

Under the Local Rule, a "broken or significantly damaged" club can be replaced if it meets any of the following conditions:

• The shaft breaks into pieces, splinters or is bent (but not when the shaft is only dented)
• The club face impact area is visibly deformed (but not when the club face is only scratched) 
• The clubhead is visibly and significantly deformed
• The clubhead is detached or loose from the shaft, or
• The grip is loose 

 

However, a player is not allowed to replace his or her club solely because there is a crack in the club face or clubhead. 

Committees can begin using this Local Rule immediately, and the complete language of this new Local Rule and other clarifications can be found here. 

 

Clarifications will normally be updated on a quarterly basis in January, April, July, and October.  The next quarterly update will be in July 2019.