Playing with Someone Using Non-Conforming Equipment

[RussUK]

I was reading an article about non conforming equipment that kind of got my brain whirring. Is it so bad?

Before voting here is the disclaimer: You are not playing for money or in a tournament/competition

For me i cant see a problem at all, if used as part of recreational golf. The article in question stated approx. 3.3m of the worlds golfers are recreational (don play in comps or have official handicaps) and that non conforming drivers and balls could benefit them.

I have discussed this with friends and most say they would be ok but a couple have played the "Its cheating" card and "not in the traditions of golf card"

As my available time to play golf decrease's i can see why they are becoming popular, to the point of planning an experiment for next year. I plan to get non conforming Driver and Wedge (the Dunlop Rebel range) and seeing what, if any, change there is (most importantly in enjoyment)

So where you guy's and gal's stand on this "thorny" subject?.

P.s. this is my 1st poll so may appolgies if ive set it up wrong!

Edited October 26, 2015 by iacas
renamed to make it more appropriate/correct

[Abu3baid]

Why should I play against them?  If they want to play with non-conforming equipment have at it.  However, I would either be giving him strokes or he wouldn't be giving me enough strokes if he is using non-conforming clubs as that is giving him an advantage.  

I say let them play all they want, just not against me.. Now, if the question was would you play with them that would be a yes without hesitation.

[mcanadiens]

The key part of the question is "playing with" versus "playing against". I don't mind sharing 18 holes with anyone, but if we are competing (even with out anything at stake), I want it played by the book. 

[isukgolf]

In a casual round I have no problem.  I play for the social aspect and getting out with my buddies.  If that person in our group can take all the banter that would be coming to them for using the non-confirming club, then go for it.

[RussUK]

Why should I play against them?  If they want to play with non-conforming equipment have at it.  However, I would either be giving him strokes or he wouldn't be giving me enough strokes if he is using non-conforming clubs as that is giving him an advantage.  

I say let them play all they want, just not against me.. Now, if the question was would you play with them that would be a yes without hesitation.

Well spotted on the wording, playing with would have been better.

[jbishop15]

Yeah, I would. It wouldn't bother me at all. 

[saevel25]

Honestly I think this is a non-issue. I would say a very good majority of golfers play conforming clubs. Some probably still play the old grooves. Most people who make their own clubs buy components that conform to the USGA regulations. 

In the end if I play against someone then I want them to play with conforming clubs. I really don't care if someone plays with non-conforming clubs if they enjoy the game. 
 

[NJpatbee]

If it is not a tournament, nor are we playing any type of friendly or match, and there is no entry into a handicap system, then the player can have at it.  I honestly do not know how much of a difference a non-conforming driver would actually make since the conforming drivers (and the rest of today's equipment) are so long.  I will be turning 64 in a couple of weeks and can still play just fine from the men's tees with my conforming 460cc titanium driver, hybrids, and low compression balls, so I do not see a compelling reason to play non-conforming equipment.  But, if it does make a difference for some golfers and allows them to enjoy themselves on the golf course then why not.

Just to clarify, I voted "NO" since the question was would you play "against" someone using non-conforming equipment not "with".

[RussUK]

If it is not a tournament, nor are we playing any type of friendly or match, and there is no entry into a handicap system, then the player can have at it.  I honestly do not know how much of a difference a non-conforming driver would actually make since the conforming drivers (and the rest of today's equipment) are so long.  I will be turning 64 in a couple of weeks and can still play just fine from the men's tees with my conforming 460cc titanium driver, hybrids, and low compression balls, so I do not see a compelling reason to play non-conforming equipment.  But, if it does make a difference for some golfers and allows them to enjoy themselves on the golf course then why not.

Just to clarify, I voted "NO" since the question was would you play "against" someone using non-conforming equipment not "with".

Yeah, messed that one up a bit! note to self "check post before clicking submit!"

[Fourputt]

I don't like the way the poll question is worded.  I would never play against someone who uses nonconforming equipment, not even for a score for bragging.  I wouldn't care if someone I played with chose to use nonconforming equipment - that's his deal not mine - but I wouldn't compete against him in any manner.  I don't want him coming up to me and raving about his great day.  If he does I won't be an ass about it, but I'll just smile and nod and try to change the subject.  

I have a friend here who plays with an illegal chipper (two faced), and we have a good time playing together, but we don't discuss score.  

[Mr. Desmond]

Yes, I would play with them, although I do enjoy my sole company. I enjoy the game when the company is laid back and the conversation between shots is interesting.

It's good to laugh or look in wonder at a good shot with someone else who also enjoys the game.

Edited October 26, 2015 by Mr. Desmond

[HonestyPolicy]

Ditto on the wording of the question. I said no because it said "against".

Q: Would I play "with" a person who is using non-conforming equipment? A: Sure, who cares.

Q: If that person wants to brag afterwards about how much better he did than I did would I play with him again? A: No, he's an ass.

Q: Would I play against someone in a competition who is using non-conforming equipment? A: No, never. And if I found out he was I'd call him on it even if he was a friend, because friends don't cheat their friends regardless of what rule we might be discussing.

 

 

[turtleback]

I would play with them if randomly paired with them and I would never say a word about it.  But I would think less of them and would never go out of my way to play with them another time.  

Personally it is nothing I would ever consider because I just do not get the point.  Just another way to get a score that is meaningless.  

[Pretzel]

Since it isn't for money, bragging rights, or in a tournament of any kind, I don't care what the other person in my group is using. If they want to cheat themselves that's fine by me, as long as they don't try to cheat me.

[David in FL]

With, yes.  Against no.  Just as with any other rules....

[garush34]

No issue with it as long as there is no money or anything like that involved in the game. If someone is just playing for fun and they get joy out of playing with such clubs then fair enough, for me I'd rather the challenge of playing with conforming clubs.

[vangator]

Why should I play against them?  If they want to play with non-conforming equipment have at it.  However, I would either be giving him strokes or he wouldn't be giving me enough strokes if he is using non-conforming clubs as that is giving him an advantage.  

I say let them play all they want, just not against me.. Now, if the question was would you play with them that would be a yes without hesitation.

+1

[rkim291968]

No problem playing with them.  To me, golf is a game against myself even when I am playing in tournament.   However, I will not gamble against those with non-conforming gear.