Sue’s Rules – Can You Fix That Driver Mid-Round?

Sue May is a Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame rules official who helps officiate local, college, professional and national USGA events. She is back with another rendition of Sue’s Rules.

Question: I was playing in a Tournament and my driver weight came loose. Can I tighten it without penalty?

Sue’s Ruling: If a conforming club is damaged during a round or while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a, except in cases of abuse, the player may repair it or replace it with another club.

Question: Can I fix a ball mark on the putting green that is on my line of play and my ball is off the green?

Sue’s Ruling: Yes you may.

Question: I’m on the putting green and I toss my ball to my caddie or partner to be cleaned. He missed catching it and it went into the water. Do I have to retrieve that ball or can I substitute another one. Is there a penalty if I can’t retrieve the original ball?

Sue’s Ruling: Rule 14.2 covers this situation. If the original ball cannot be recovered with reasonable effort and in a few seconds and the player, partner or caddie did not deliberately cause the ball to become unrecoverable, you may substitute another ball without penalty.

Share this article

You May Also Like