Playing with Someone Using Non-Conforming Equipment

[Golfingdad]

What are you trying to say here?

Nothing specific - but it's entirely possible that the guy with the handicap based on completely unforgiving but legal equipment is squeezing a stroke or two out of you "legally" if he switches to clubs better suited to him in competitions, whereas the other guys numbers are all relative so he's playing "fair."

[Lihu]

Nothing specific - but it's entirely possible that the guy with the handicap based on completely unforgiving but legal equipment is squeezing a stroke or two out of you "legally" if he switches to clubs better suited to him in competitions, whereas the other guys numbers are all relative so he's playing "fair."

Ah, makes sense. . .

[Dave2512]

I know few golfers that are humble enough to not use their above their ability equipment day in and out.

[Lihu]

I know few golfers that are humble enough to not use their above their ability equipment day in and out.

For some people, it doesn't really have anything to do with humility per se. They might like the shiny or traditional look? Possibly they are thinking that if they could learn with a difficult club maybe the more forgiving ones would be easier to use? Maybe, it's even for nostalgic reasons?

The main thing is that they don't take 6 shots to get to the green on a par 4, if they do then I agree that they should be using much easier to use equipment and get a few lessons.

[rehmwa]

Option 1 here. made a slight mistake on the wording, Didnt feel there was any need for the 2nd option to be added, but no problem. as you say, jusy spit balling, I Just knew i'd cock up my first poll!! 

That was just me poking the bear for giggles - you and your nefarious schemes and all.  I know you're a regular here.  thumbs up

 

though it would be fun to show up at a league round with a hatchet, two hockey sticks, a baseball bat and a Game Improvement iron.  And then go to someone's bag and loudly start complaining about non-conforming grooves and a long putter.

Edited October 26, 2015 by rehmwa

[Dave2512]

For some people, it doesn't really have anything to do with humility per se. They might like the shiny or traditional look? Possibly they are thinking that if they could learn with a difficult club maybe the more forgiving ones would be easier to use? Maybe, it's even for nostalgic reasons?

The main thing is that they don't take 6 shots to get to the green on a par 4, if they do then I agree that they should be using much easier to use equipment and get a few lessons.

I should have posted a quote, really was a comment regarding people using different sets of clubs for casual and tournament play. Not really about looks or anything just that whatever their preference is they tend to use those all the time. If someone was realistic enough to switch to a more forgiving club for tournament play they should have the understanding that to play the best golf they can should be using it all the time.

[Patch]

I voted yes. No big deal to me what other folks play with. My opponents when I play are my swing, the course, and Ma Nature. 

Most of the tournaments I play in are charity stuff as it is. So, as long as the charity is making out, I'm still good with what other folks are using. 

[DrvFrShow]

Playing in a casual round, I don't care what they're doing. They can use a hand wedge and foot wedge. They can take 3' gimmes. I don't care. If we're playing for money, that's another story. But what if they're playing with an old wedge that has square grooves? How do you know? They have an advantage. It's easier to add spin. Effective last year all USGA and R&A championships require the new grooves. We can still use the old clubs until 2024 for posting handicaps, but are they conforming equipment?

[Moppy]

If I am playing with a guy who needs "Slice Away" spray on his driver to stay in the fairway, I am happy he found it and the game keeps moving and we are doing other stuff beside looking for balls. If he has a radio controlled ball that he can steer after hitting his putt? 

[Lihu]

If I am playing with a guy who needs "Slice Away" spray on his driver to stay in the fairway, I am happy he found it and the game keeps moving and we are doing other stuff beside looking for balls. If he has a radio controlled ball that he can steer after hitting his putt? 

I thought you were joking. . .http://www.amazon.com/Power-Straight-Anti-Slice-Golf-Coating/dp/B0052GA9HG

[Gator Hazard]

I thought you were joking. . .http://www.amazon.com/Power-Straight-Anti-Slice-Golf-Coating/dp/B0052GA9HG

Nice.  Would never use it but that is funny.

[mcanadiens]

If I am playing with a guy who needs "Slice Away" spray on his driver to stay in the fairway, I am happy he found it and the game keeps moving and we are doing other stuff beside looking for balls. If he has a radio controlled ball that he can steer after hitting his putt? 

Great, but I also need Hook Away, Fat Away and Shank Away. If I used them all at the same time would they cancel each other out?

[Lihu]

Great, but I also need Hook Away, Fat Away and Shank Away. If I used them all at the same time would they cancel each other out?

A spray for everything! That reminds me of some movie I way where people used sprays for every ailment. . .

Nice.  Would never use it but that is funny.

Yeah, I thought so.

 

Many of the answers were related to gambling and such, and what I found is that people who would need or just like to use non-conforming equipment or golf club additives don't gamble or not for much money anyway. I did have a friendly wager with some people who played non-conforming clubs, and it was for 10 cents a hole. One of them always grounded clubs in bunkers too. Honestly, it was a fun day out and for anyone to tell them that they're cheating by enjoying themselves by using the most forgiving equipment available is just not cool. . .I'd rather have fun and they have fun instead.

[Fourputt]

Playing in a casual round, I don't care what they're doing. They can use a hand wedge and foot wedge. They can take 3' gimmes. I don't care. If we're playing for money, that's another story. But what if they're playing with an old wedge that has square grooves? How do you know? They have an advantage. It's easier to add spin. Effective last year all USGA and R&A championships require the new grooves. We can still use the old clubs until 2024 for posting handicaps, but are they conforming equipment?

USGA and R&A Championships means just that, very high level amateur and pro competitions conducted by those organizations.  At the club level and equivalent the old wedges will still be legal in competition until 2024, not just for casual play.  By the time the old grooves are universally banned, there will be very few of those clubs left around, and those remaining will be mostly worn out.  

When I was working tournaments for the Colorado Golf Association, I never saw any mention of the grooves being disallowed at any of the competitions I refereed.

[BuckeyeNut]

if just casual play..................I don't see why this is an issue.   I wouldn't even mind playing against them for $$$ providing we play even up.   If they play "cheater" equipment, the chances I win all the money is very high.  With that said, I could "size them up" pretty fast.......

 

[Lihu]

if just casual play..................I don't see why this is an issue.   I wouldn't even mind playing against them for $$$ providing we play even up.   If they play "cheater" equipment, the chances I win all the money is very high.  With that said, I could "size them up" pretty fast.......

 

Exactly.

[SavvySwede]

Play "against" someone using non-conforming equipment? No point in that, anyone who needs that stuff doesn't stand a chance of beating me anyway.

[Moppy]

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