When it comes to golf, understanding the Rules of Golf can be quite tricky. Thankfully, there are experts like our Rules Guy who know the rulebook front to back and are ready to answer any questions that may arise. One common question that came up recently was regarding the maximum lie angle of a putter. A reader wanted to know if a putter was allowed to have a lie angle more perpendicular than 80 degrees, as Bryson DeChambeau’s putter appears to be closer to 90 degrees.
The Rules Guy reassured the reader that Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning national champion, follows the rules to a T. He referenced The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelley, a cult classic that BDC bases his techniques on. According to the Equipment Rules, Part 2, 1d, the projection of the straight part of the shaft on the vertical plane through the toe and heel must diverge from the vertical by at least 10 degrees. If the overall design of the club allows the player to effectively use the club in a vertical position, the shaft may be required to diverge by as much as 25 degrees.
Another putter-related question arose when a reader asked if it was legal to modify a TaylorMade Spider putter by covering the white line on the black clubhead with tape and drawing a red line with a Sharpie. The Rules Guy shared a humorous anecdote about his father, Tinker Guy, who has performed various modifications on putters over the years without considering the Rules. He explained that tape affixed to the putter is considered a nonconforming external attachment and renders the club nonconforming. Using a modified club in competition would result in disqualification under Rule 4.1a.
If you’re looking to improve your putting game, consider investing in a custom Green Book from Golf Logix. These personalized green books can help you navigate the greens at your home course more effectively. Additionally, if you have any questions about the Rules of Golf, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Rules Guy. You can send your queries, confusions, and comments to rulesguy@golf.com, and he will be happy to provide the answers without throwing the book at you.
In conclusion, understanding the intricate rules surrounding golf equipment, such as putters, is essential for competitive play. Whether it’s ensuring that the lie angle of your putter complies with the regulations or avoiding external attachments that could render your club nonconforming, it’s crucial to adhere to the Rules of Golf. By consulting experts like the Rules Guy and investing in tools like custom Green Books, you can enhance your knowledge of the rules and improve your performance on the course. Remember, playing by the rules ensures fair play and upholds the integrity of the game.
