Swinging a Weighted Club (Donut) During Round

[RICK CARDEN]

I have seen tour players swinging 2 clubs at a time to loosen a tight back during a round. What's the difference in practice swinging a club with a donut? You're not hitting the ball.

[iacas]

26 minutes ago, RICK CARDEN said:

I have seen tour players swinging 2 clubs at a time to loosen a tight back during a round. What's the difference in practice swinging a club with a donut? You're not hitting the ball.

What's the difference? One is illegal, the other is not.

See Rule 4.3a(6):

https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/rules-of-golf/rules-and-interpretations.html#!ruletype=fr&section=rule&rulenum=4&subrulenum=3

The "donut" example is specifically given:

Quote

• Not Allowed.
  • Using any type of golf training or swing aid (such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover or “donut”) or a non-conforming club to make a practice swing or in any other way that creates a potential advantage by helping the player in preparing for or making a stroke (such as help with swing plane, grip, alignment, ball position or posture).

If you want to plumb bob, that's fine if you use your putter. Using a level, though, is illegal. 🙂

[Shorty]

https://www.golfchannel.com/article/associated-press/inkster-disqualified-due-use-training-aid

 

From 2010