Would you play a non-conforming (illegal) driver?

[tehuti]

I wouldn’t do it. Even though I don't play tourney gof what would be the point? There’s no one I am trying to impress and I would know it’s not a legitimate distance gain.

[Buckeyebowman]

Well, the thing about the Callaway ERC II that I found in the thrift store, was that it was stamped right on the hosel, "Does not conform to USGA rules".

This was part of the agreement that the USGA and Callaway came to in their pissing contest over the club's performance.

[ghalfaire]

Nope.  Wouldn't knowingly play non-conforming equipment.

[Double Mocha Man]

I just bought one used and it arrived a few days ago... the ERC II with ramped up COR.  Got it for giggles. $23.00 including shipping.  I would never use it in a tournament and I would never count scores for handicap purposes.  And I've already texted all my foursome buddies to let them know I might use it for fun and that I'd tell them if I was playing with it.  Also offered to let them try it out during a round for giggles, too.  

 

Well, I took it to the range, took it to the course.  It is about 10-15 yards shorter on carry (balls are plugging in the fairways this time of year) than my "daily driver", but man oh man is it accurate!  An unexpected surprise.  However, this may be from a 2 inch shorter shaft that is a regular flex compared to my usual stiff flex.  Now I just need to discover how to get that accuracy to go with my longer-hitting driver, without losing any distance.

 

It's an interesting and informative experiment.

[Pablo68]

Is it true that once a driver has been used it might not conform anymore to USGA Standards? I heard something about some Pros seeking out heads that had been used (demos).

[Double Mocha Man]

Pablo, I have heard that as well.  That the more times you hit a ball off the face of your driver the springier and more trampoline-like it gets.  But there's a limit, eventually you will crack the face... I have done it on two drivers in the last couple years.

[Moxley]

Never. I love to 'play the rules' (i.e. maximise the opportunity within the rules by knowing them well), but breaking the rules for me is a big no-no. 

But even if you're open about it any play in a group that does the same, it's the first step towards playing a game that isn't golf anymore.