Most gear that gives you information or keeps you comfortable is fine on the course: a rangefinder for distance, a forecast, a plain glove, resin, a towel on the grip. The gear that is not fine is the kind that gives you advice or helps you swing or aim, such as an alignment device or a swing trainer. Rule 4.3 opens by saying a player may use equipment to help their play, except where it creates a potential advantage in certain ways. The table lists those ways.
The ChartWhat you can and cannot use during a round
| What you want to use | Allowed during the round? | Rule 4.3 reference |
|---|---|---|
| Distance and direction | ||
| Distance or direction information, such as from a rangefinder or a compass | Yes | 4.3a(1) |
| Measuring elevation changes | No | 4.3a(1) |
| Getting a recommended line of play from a device | No | 4.3a(1) |
| An alignment device used to help align the ball | No | 4.3a(1) |
| Wind and weather | ||
| A weather forecast, wind speed included | Yes | 4.3a(2) |
| Measuring temperature and humidity at the course | Yes | 4.3a(2) |
| Measuring wind speed at the course | No | 4.3a(2) |
| Powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon to judge wind direction | No | 4.3a(2) |
| Information from before and during the round | ||
| Information you gathered before the round | Yes | 4.3a(3) |
| Recording your club distances, stats or heart rate to look at after the round | Yes | 4.3a(3) |
| Turning this round's distances into club recommendations | No | 4.3a(3) |
| Using heart rate or other body data recorded during the round | No | 4.3a(3) |
| Audio and video | ||
| A podcast, news report or background music unrelated to the competition | Yes, with consideration for others | 4.3a(4) |
| Music or other audio to shut out distractions or to set your swing tempo | No | 4.3a(4) |
| Video of the competition that helps you choose a club | No | 4.3a(4) |
| Video being broadcast to spectators at the course, such as on a video scoreboard | Yes | 4.3a(4) |
| Gloves and grip aids | ||
| A plain glove that meets the Equipment Rules | Yes | 4.3a(5) |
| Resin, powders and other moisturizing or drying agents | Yes | 4.3a(5) |
| A towel or handkerchief wrapped around the grip | Yes | 4.3a(5) |
| A glove that does not meet the Equipment Rules | No | 4.3a(5) |
| Other equipment that gives an unfair advantage with hand position or grip pressure | No | 4.3a(5) |
| Stretching and training aids | ||
| Equipment for general stretching, other than in making a practice swing | Yes | 4.3a(6) |
| A training or swing aid, such as an alignment rod or a weighted headcover ("donut") | No, when it helps with swing plane, grip, alignment, ball position or posture | 4.3a(6) |
Source: The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 4.3.
An alignment rod is a good example of how the same object can land on both sides of the line. Across your shoulders for a general stretch it is allowed. Used to help with your plane or your alignment, it is a training aid. For a closer look at distance devices, see the rangefinder rules chart.
PenaltyWhat a breach of Rule 4.3 costs
| Breach | Match play | Stroke play |
|---|---|---|
| First breach | General penalty: loss of hole | General penalty: two strokes |
| Second breach | Disqualification | Disqualification |
Source: The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 4.3 (penalty) and Rule 1.3c.
A second breach can be of a different kind. If you use a banned alignment aid on the 3rd hole and later measure the wind speed, the second one is still a second breach. It only counts if there has been an intervening event after the first breach, which means you have completed a stroke or become aware of the breach (Rule 1.3c(4)).
A breach between two holes. The penalty applies to the next hole.
MedicalEquipment for a medical reason
Rule 4.3b says you are not in breach of Rule 4.3 if you use equipment to help with a medical condition, as long as you have a medical reason to use it and the Committee decides it gives you no unfair advantage over other players.
Tape is covered too. You may use adhesive tape or a similar covering for any medical reason, such as to prevent an injury or help with an existing injury. It must not be applied excessively, and it must not help you more than is necessary for the medical reason. The Rule's own example: it must not immobilize a joint to help you swing the club.
If you rely on equipment for a medical condition, ask the Committee before the round, since the decision is theirs.
Your EventCheck your committee
A Committee can add Local Rules for a competition, and those can change what is allowed on the day. Read the scorecard or the notice board before you tee off, and ask the Committee if your gear is not on this chart. Our Local Rules guide shows what you might find there.
FAQQuick answers
Can I use an alignment stick during a round?
Not to line up your ball or as a swing aid. Rule 4.3a(1) does not allow an alignment device to help align the ball, and Rule 4.3a(6) does not allow an alignment rod used as a training or swing aid. Using one for a general stretch, other than in a practice swing, is allowed.
Can I use resin or a towel on my grip?
Yes. Rule 4.3a(5) allows resin, powders and other moisturizing or drying agents, and wrapping a towel or handkerchief around the grip. A plain glove that meets the Equipment Rules is allowed too.
Can I listen to music while I play?
It depends on why. Audio unrelated to the competition, such as background music or a news report, is allowed, with consideration for the people around you. Music to eliminate distractions or to help with swing tempo is not (Rule 4.3a(4)).
Can I check the wind speed on my phone?
A forecast, wind speed included, is allowed. Measuring the wind speed at the course is not (Rule 4.3a(2)). The same goes for powder, a handkerchief or a ribbon used to judge wind direction.
Can I wear a heart rate monitor?
You can record heart rate for use after the round. You cannot use heart rate or other body data recorded during the round (Rule 4.3a(3)).
Can I use tape on a sore finger or wrist?
Yes, for a medical reason, as long as it is not applied excessively, does not help you more than necessary, and does not immobilize a joint to help you swing (Rule 4.3b).