What is a non-conforming club in the PGA USGA Rules of Golf?
A non-conforming club does not meet the requirements for a particular set of rules. For example, if a player’s golf club has a shaft less than 42 inches long, it would be considered non-conforming under the USGA Rules of Golf.
Rule 4 covers the equipment that you may use during your round. Based on the principle that golf is a challenging game in which success should depend on your judgment, skills and abilities, you:
USGA – Rules and Interpretations
Must use conforming clubs and balls,
Are limited to no more than 14 clubs and normally must not replace damaged or lost clubs, and
Are restricted in the use of other equipment that gives artificial help to your play.
USGA – Rules and Interpretations
At the time of this article, the latest example of this rule being enforced is of former Maters Champion Hideki Matsuyama being disqualified from play for using a club with alterations made to the face at the 2022 Memorial Tournament.
What Are The Rules of Golf, And Who Created Them?
Being one of the most prestigious and influential organizations in golf. The Rules of Golf are the guidelines for playing golf. They are maintained by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. The USGA has been responsible for overseeing the rules of golf since 1894 when it was established to maintain a uniform code for American golfers. The USGA has been tasked with one job for over 100 years: maintain a uniform code for American golfers.
