Alignment Stick

**Motown88** · July 18, 2012

I carry 14 clubs in my bag, and an old Callaway driver shaft which I use as an alignment stick on the range. It is only the shaft, no club head. I know this may seem like an odd (and possibly very stupid) question seeing that it is clearly not a club, but since it is a golf club shaft does this count as a 15th club in my bag?

**mihi4** · July 18, 2012

No.

Since it's no club, it doesn't count as one...

greetings

michi

**Fourputt** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Motown88

I carry 14 clubs in my bag, and an old Callaway driver shaft which I use as an alignment stick on the range. It is only the shaft, no club head. I know this may seem like an odd (and possibly very stupid) question seeing that it is clearly not a club, but since it is a golf club shaft does this count as a 15th club in my bag?

Just take care that you don't use it on the course or you would be in breach of Rule 14-3.

**Motown88** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Fourputt

Just take care that you don't use it on the course or you would be in breach of Rule 14-3.

I don't see there being a time I would use it on a course...It's pretty hard to hit a ball without the club head :)

Joking aside, I would never use a training aid of any sort on the golf course. Trying something new, or for training/learning purposes is something meant for the range in my opinion.

**Fourputt** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Motown88

I don't see there being a time I would use it on a course...It's pretty hard to hit a ball without the club head :)

Joking aside, I would never use a training aid of any sort on the golf course. Trying something new, or for training/learning purposes is something meant for the range in my opinion.

I have seen people use such things on the course, which is why I mentioned it.

**Rulesman** · July 18, 2012

14-3/10.3

Use of Rod During Round for Alignment or as Swing Aid

Q. During a stipulated round, a player uses a rod to check his alignment or his swing plane. What is the ruling?

A. The player is disqualified under Rule 14-3 as the rod is unusual equipment and such use, during the stipulated round, is not permitted.

Carrying the rod is not, of itself, a breach of a Rule.

**zipazoid** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Motown88

I carry 14 clubs in my bag, and an old Callaway driver shaft which I use as an alignment stick on the range. It is only the shaft, no club head. I know this may seem like an odd (and possibly very stupid) question seeing that it is clearly not a club, but since it is a golf club shaft does this count as a 15th club in my bag?

I see pros with alignment sticks in their bags during tournament play all the time, so they obviously don't count as clubs. It may be a little fuzzy when it's a club shaft without a head, though it shouldn't. But you know how the rules can be.

**Beachcomber** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Rulesman

14-3/10.3

Use of Rod During Round for Alignment or as Swing Aid

Q.During a stipulated round, a player uses a rod to check his alignment or his swing plane. What is the ruling?

A.The player is disqualified under Rule 14-3 as the rod is unusual equipment and such use, during the stipulated round, is not permitted.

Carrying the rod is not, of itself, a breach of a Rule.

This rule seems silly - because you can use your club (shaft) to help with alignment - before the shot. Not that I use an alignment stick during a round of golf... I just find it silly that you can't use it... Especially when you can lay the golf club on the ground - make sure your stance line is where you want it - then pick the club up and make the swing.... And not incur a penalty.

**Rulesman** · July 18, 2012

You need to consider the reason for Rule 14-3.

**Motown88** · July 18, 2012

Originally Posted by Rulesman

14-3/10.3

Use of Rod During Round for Alignment or as Swing Aid

Q.During a stipulated round, a player uses a rod to check his alignment or his swing plane. What is the ruling?

A.The player is disqualified under Rule 14-3 as the rod is unusual equipment and such use, during the stipulated round, is not permitted.

Carrying the rod is not, of itself, a breach of a Rule.

Damn...there is a rule for everything apparently!!! Thanks for looking it up!

**turtleback** · July 19, 2012

Originally Posted by Fourputt

Just take care that you don't use it on the course or you would be in breach of Rule 14-3.

I have a related question. I sometimes carry a "donut" in my bag that I can slip onto my driver and make it a weighted club. Am I correct in thinking that I can use it on the first tee before I hit my tee shot (and hence before the stipulated round has begun) and then put it away in my bag so long as I never use it during the stipulated round?

Thanks,

**Rulesman** · July 19, 2012

Yes

evan · July 19, 2012

I tend to just lay my club on the ground pointing towards my target, then position my feet before picking the club up. No unusual equipment with the same result.

**Fourputt** · July 19, 2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtleback

I have a related question. I sometimes carry a "donut" in my bag that I can slip onto my driver and make it a weighted club. Am I correct in thinking that I can use it on the first tee before I hit my tee shot (and hence before the stipulated round has begun) and then put it away in my bag so long as I never use it during the stipulated round?

Thanks,

Yes, your thinking is correct. It would be considered a swing aid, and as such its use is not allowed during the stipulated round. You can use a weighted training club as long as the design of the club is within the rules, and it counts as one of your 14 clubs selected for the round.

Quote:

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 "doughnut" 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.

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Alignment Stick

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Use of Rod During Round for Alignment or as Swing Aid

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