Wet or worn grips can become very slippery as was the case during the CGA Two-Man Team Championship. One player who was having difficulty holding on to his clubs asked if he could use a tacky substance to aid him gripping the club such as resin or “stick’em.” This solution has been recommended before ““ in Caddyshack — when Judge Smails’ putter “slips” out of his hands after missing a short putt and strikes a couple having lunch on the patio. Danny Noonan (his caddie) comes to the rescue by saying, “I noticed your grips were worn before sir, I should have mentioned it to you. I can put some stick’em on them for you.” While Danny would have potentially saved a patio umbrella and a prevented a contusion, would he have been permitted to do so by the Rules?
The answer can be found in Rule 14-3 in The Rules of Golf which states that “the player must not use any artificial device or unusual equipment that might assist the player in gripping the club, except that;”
“(i). Plain gloves may be worn.” This means that most gloves you would buy in your local golf shop conforms and is ok to use while playing. However, gloves are used as a training aid, such as the “Right Grip Gloves”, are not permitted for score posting or tournament play. These usually have some sort attachment that helps you grip the club in the same position each time.
“(ii). Resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used.” Here is the answer to the question posed by the player in the CGA Two-Man Team Championship, and the solution to Judge Smails’ club slippage. This is also a great option for the players that do not like to use a glove, and note that there is no restriction on how much may be applied. A player may even apply it to his/her glove if they so choose!
“(iii). A towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.” On those beautiful Colorado days that feature a five-minute cloudburst on the 12th hole soaking your glove and grips, it’s good to have an extra towel to keep the club from slipping out of your hands.
When you are having trouble holding onto the club remember that the Rules allow for some measures to be taken to fix the problem. This aided the player in the CGA Two-man Championship, but in Judge Smails’ case, however, the club might have still “slipped.” Regardless, Danny’s knowledge of the Rules would have still earned him 50 cents!
