4-2b question

[turtleback]

Rule 4-2b says that you cannot apply a foreign material to a club face or the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.

Foreign Material

Foreign material must not be applied to the club face for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball. - See more at: [URL=http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-04/#sthash.7wD7r6qv.dpuf]http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-04/#sthash.7wD7r6qv.dpuf[/URL] In light of that rule, would it be legal for me to, after cleaning my clubs, use something like car wax on them for the purpose of protecting them and making them look nice?  I really have no idea if that would affect the movement of the ball - I'd guess not - and I would not be doing it for the purpose of influencing the movement of the ball.  But if it *could* influence the movement of the ball then I would think it would still be illegal. So what do you guys think?  I just got new irons, hybrids, and fairway metals and I'd like to do anything I can to keep them in good shape and looking good, but I want to stay on the legal side of the rules. Thanks.

[David in FL]

4.2b is one of the few rules that I can think of in which intent is actually a consideration in determining whether or not you are in compliance.  If you are genuinely waxing your clubs to maintain their appearance and to prevent corrosion, then you are not in violation.  You violate 4.2b only if your intent is to influence the movement of the ball.  The applicable decisions are also very specific in this.....

Decision 4-2/4

Applying Saliva to Face of Club

Q. A player spat on the face of his club and did not wipe the saliva off before playing his next stroke. Is this permissible?

A. If the purpose of doing this was to influence the movement of the ball, the player was in breach of Rule 4-2b as saliva is "foreign material."

Congrats on the new sticks!

[power aid]

aside from the rule . while using a wax to protect or tidy your clubs/shafts, a wax won't last long at all . from all the friction, ball contact , turf contact , in/out of the bag . I'm an auto detailer by hobby . a wax on a vehicle doesn't last , just as the more u wash it it depletes itself . your best bet for a little longer protection would be to use a sealant , also there are specific products out there for chrome/stainless . u could also go top of the line and use a coating , as this would protect it the best . nothing on the face of the club or the sole would last . pm me if you would like to know more about sealants and coatings .