Training Aids in Your Bag During a Round?

[dgny06]

Quick question.....does anyone know if in the "Rules of Golf" it is permissible to carry a training aid in your bag if it is not capable of hitting a ball? I just ordered the Swingnature ( www.swingnature.com ) and I think it would be good to use in-between holes (especially in the early stages of a round where you are still loosening up).

[Rebel_Golfer]

I'm not 100% positive, but I believe it is OK to have these types of things in your bag, but you cannot actually use them during a round. You will see many Pro's with the alignment sticks in their bags, but they can't be used during play.

[Zeph]

Source: USGA
14-3/10 Use of Training or Swing Aid During Round

Q. During a round, may a player make a stroke or a practice swing using a club with a weighted headcover or "donut" on it, or use any other device designed as a training or swing aid?

A. No. The player would be using an artificial device to assist him in his play in breach of Rule 14-3, but see also Decision 4-4a/7 for use of a weighted training club. (Revised)

[dgny06]

Thank you!

[CrazyXGolfer]

You may have them in your bag, but you may not take them out and use them.

[binga7]

why would a pro carry one in his bag if he is not able to use it. surely the caddy would take it out before the round?

[CrazyXGolfer]

You would think they would, but they don't

[mfgorilla]

The alignment sticks don't weigh much and make a handy spot to keep your headcover when it's off the club.

[Zeph]

why would a pro carry one in his bag if he is not able to use it. surely the caddy would take it out before the round?

Then he'd need somewhere to put it, people might take it etc. They might be using it right before tee time. As long as they don't pull it out of the bag and actually use it, it doesn't matter.

[binga7]

The alignment sticks don't weigh much and make a handy spot to keep your headcover when it's off the club.

Classic, I'd always seen them in pros bag and wondered if they maybe used them between holes, Now i know what there for lol

[srjorion]

Saw Bo Weekly do this today and had never thought of it before myself.

[Edwardjr]

Does a speed stick or warm up club that cannot hit a ball count as one of the 14 clubs you can carry?

[iacas]

1 hour ago, Edwardjr said:

Does a speed stick or warm up club that cannot hit a ball count as one of the 14 clubs you can carry?

If it meets the definition of a club it can. Most don’t.

[ChetlovesMer]

3 hours ago, iacas said:

If it meets the definition of a club it can. Most don’t.

I may be wrong here, but if it does meet the definition of a club, aren't you allowed to declare it out of play before you start. Then as long as you don't try to use it you are okay? Or do I have that wrong? 

[iacas]

1 hour ago, ChetlovesMer said:

I may be wrong here, but if it does meet the definition of a club, aren't you allowed to declare it out of play before you start. Then as long as you don't try to use it you are okay? Or do I have that wrong? 

Sure, but if it’s before the round just leave it behind. Carrying it around is dumb.