Is there any rule that forbids marking a club shaft in some way, be it with ink or tape?

Last time I looked a LOT of shafts came with paint and/or tape to signify their brand and specs…

Let me explain why I am asking this question. I have put tape on the shaft of my clubs to assist me in positioning the ball during practice. Its a quick and easy way to measure the distance from my feet to the ball. I was just worried that some one might consider it an aid.

Can you explain how you use the tape to help? I assume you lie the club down on the ground before your shot and the tape on each shaft indicates the correct distance to place your feet i.e. ball to toe measurement?

A bit of tape on a shaft wouldn’t normally be a problem. Some players do it, for example, to stop the shaft rubbing where it meets the top of their golf bag.

However, there are restrictions on artificial devices under Rule 14-3, which reads:
“Except as provided in the Rules, during a stipulated round the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment, or use any equipment in an unusual manner:
a. That might assist him in making a stroke or in his play; or
b. For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play.

If the tape precisely acts as a “gauge” for toe to ball measure to assist you to make a stroke, then you might have a problem. I think you need to speak to someone at State Association Rules level to clarify the legality of the practice.

There is also the question of how long it takes to to play your shot using this method, and its effect on slow play or undue delay.

Hi Publish,
Thanks for your comments. I use the tape for exactly the purpose that you describe. However I only use it for practice sessions. I wouldn’t contemplate going through this performance out on the course.

As per Rule 14-3, I would take it that if the club is not used as a gauge, then the matter of the tape on the shaft should not be a problem. Would that be right?

Cheers
John

Jack-G, this may help, it is from the USGA site:

Rule 4-2

Tape or Gauze Applied to Club

Q. Is it permissible to add tape or gauze to any part of the club?

A. During the round, the playing characteristics of the club may not be changed – see Rule 4-2a.

Prior to the player’s stipulated round, tape or gauze may be applied to the grip of the club provided the application of such materials does not create a waist or bulge – see Appendix II; Part 3.

Tape applied to the club head or shaft is an external attachment which renders the club non-conforming (see Appendix II; Part 1a). The following are exceptions to the prohibition against external attachments provided such applications are made prior to the player’s stipulated round:
Lead tape may be applied to the head or shaft of the club for the purpose of adding weight (see Decisions 4-1/4 and 4-2/0.5)
Tape may be applied to the shaft of the club to protect it. Decals may be applied to the shaft for identification purposes. These decals may also be covered by clear tape.

If the tape is on the shaft to protect it or for id purposes then it isn’t a problem. If it is on the shaft for another purpose it makes the club non-conforming.
I think you are a bit more exact on your feet position than I am;).

Thanks TT. It seems that a small dob of paint might be the way to go.

I have found that making sure that I have the correct ball positioning during practice has really helped me to improve my swing. Before I started using this structured approach, most of my time on the practice tee was wasted, achieving very little if anything. Now every time I practice, I can work on the fine detail and get reliable results, every time. The best thing is that I now actually enjoy the practice.

Cheers

If you are using the tape (or dob of paint) to assist your stance (as in distance of feet from the ball) a rules officials would rule against the player because the tape/paint “may” be of assistance, even if it is not in practice.
However, there are many folks that have a little piece of paper taped to the shaft with numbers on it. These numbers represent the distance they will hit a ball with different swings (1/4, 1/2, 3/4 size swing). usually found on wedges or the precision clubs – these pieces of paper with numbers on them are perfectly legal – it is no different to having a card in your bag with the same measurement matrix on it.
but to assist you take your stance? not allowed.
cheers.

There is a guy who plays at our club who has a piece of tape (looks like standard electrical tape) on the head of his driver – much like the alignment line on a Prov1.

He lines the ball up on the tee like he would a putt and then lines the driver head with that line and then sets his stance accordingly.

Surely he is in breach on this rule??

No, Rule 4 only prevents “foreign material” being added to the “face” of the club

Thinking about this further poses the question, the application of the tape can’t be made IMO afer the commencement of the round as this alters the “playing characteristics” of the club.

So, assuming the tape is on the club before commencement of play, Appendix 11, 1a stipulates that in the design of the club there can be no “external attachments”.

Ruling 4-1/5 decided that adhesive tape added to a club to reduce glare was “an external attachment” rendering the club “non-conforming” ( I happen to dis-agree with this ruling which I think is wrong ).

BUT the Appendix clearly makes an exception for “attachments that do not affect the performance of the club” SO does the alignment tape alter the playing characteristics…IMO no, but I suspect the R & A would say yes on the basis of 4-1/5.

As I said, I think 4-1/5 is wrong as the Appendix is a “design” not playing rule and 11. 1. a contradicts itself…. go figure.

There must not be any kind of tape on the club head, except for lead tape.
Nothing must be put on the club face.

If a player can be assisted in his play by any kind of paint on the club or any kind of tape on the shaft or grip, he is not in breach of any Rules, as long as the club conforms with the Rules, and as long as nothing ís added or changed during the round.
(Again – there are exceptions for lead tape, Decision 4-2/0.5))

Yes, and you have to ask the question if lead tape does not alter the playing characteristics how can a bit of sticky tape.

Rule 4 clearly contradicts the Appendix, it should say, to get it right..”nothing should be affixed to the clubhead” not just the “face” of the club as the rule currently stands.

Further, it is a principle of law that where there is a conflict or difficulty in interpretation between the law ( rule ) and a regulation ( appendix ) the law will prevail.
I suspect a legal interpretation might conclude that the law ( Rule 4 ) only stipulates that “foreign material must not be affixed to the face of the club”. IMO
4-2a only refers to altering the playing characteristics during a stipulated round.