If you damage your club during the round, you have a few options:
- Repair the club. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair the club yourself or have it repaired by a professional.
- Use the damaged club for the rest of the round. You are still allowed to use a damaged club, but only for the rest of the round.
- Replace the damaged club. As of 2023, you are allowed to replace a damaged club during the round, even if the damage is minor. However, you cannot replace a club if you damage it out of abuse.
What Constitutes a Damaged Club?
The term “damaged club” has a broad application. It applies to any form of change to the club, including:
- Cracks or dents in the shaft or head
- Scratches or scuff marks on the sole or face
- Bent or warped shafts
- Loose or missing weights
How to Replace a Damaged Club:
To replace a damaged club, you must first go to the committee or a rules official. They will inspect the damaged club and determine if it is eligible for replacement. If the club is eligible for replacement, you will be allowed to replace it with another club from your bag.
There are a few exceptions to the damaged club rule:
- You cannot replace a club if you damage it out of abuse.
- You cannot replace a club if you are playing in a competition, and the competition has local rules that prohibit the replacement of damaged clubs.
The damaged club rule was changed in 2023 to make the game fairer and more enjoyable for golfers. Under the new rule, golfers are allowed to replace damaged clubs, even if the damage is minor. This change will help golfers avoid the frustration of having to use a damaged club for the rest of the round. Check out the video!