Did Julie Inkster really violate the rule 14-3 ? I think not.
by progolf on Aug 23, 2010 12:06 PM EDT
Email
Print
14-3. Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment
The United States Golf Association (USGA) reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices, unusual equipment and the unusual use of equipment, and make or change the interpretations relating to these Rules.
A player in doubt as to whether use of an item would constitute a breach of Rule 14-3 should consult the USGA.
A manufacturer should submit to the USGA a sample of an item to be manufactured for a ruling as to whether its use during a stipulated round would cause a player to be in breach of Rule 14-3. The sample becomes the property of the USGA for reference purposes. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the item, the manufacturer assumes the risk of a ruling that use of the item would be contrary to the Rules.
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; or
- c. That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:
- (i) plain gloves may be worn;
- (ii) resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
- (iii) a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.
Was she assisted in any way making a stroke with her weight ? NOPE
Was she gauging or measuring distance with her weight ? NOPE
Was she getting an assist in gripping the club ? NOPE
So I ask. Why the DQ ?
FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com, editor, Charles Boyer or any other writer or member.
18 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I agree
Here’s the situation from another angle:
1. A player is not in breach of this Rule if (a) the equipment or device is designed for or has the effect of alleviating a medical condition, (b) the player has a legitimate medical reason to use the equipment or device, and © the Committee is satisfied that its use does not give the player any undue advantage over other players.
Muscle stiffness could logically be defined as a “medical condition.” You don’t have to be terminally ill to be classified as having a medical condition. The weight Juli used was designed for the purpose of alleviating muscle stiffness.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
D.....I agree, and would add
that not only is there physical stiffness, but mental stiffness that occurs…….I’ve been thinking of inventing some kind of electronic zapper built into my hat that keeps my brain (or what little is left of it) working during those FREAKIN 6 hour rounds in 105 degree heat…….but of course I don’t want to break any rules…….:)
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
I’m gonna do a quick post on this, but the decision 14-3/10 is what got her DQ’d:
14-3/10 Use of Training or Swing Aid During Round
Q. During a round, may a player make a stroke or a practice swing using a club with a weighted headcover or “donut” on it, or use any other device designed as a training or swing aid?
A. No. The player would be using an artificial device to assist him in his play in breach of Rule 14-3, but see also Decision 4-4a/7 for use of a weighted training club.
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
Ryan......
I would argue that she was neither making a stroke or a practice swing when the egregious violation of the sacred rules of golf supposedly occurred. I would think that a “stroke” would involve the intent to strike the ball in order to advance it, and a “practice swing” during a round would be the swinging of the club immediately prior to making a stroke. Taking a few swings with a weight is neither of the things I mentioned. There is also some thought that this somehow gives her an advantage by swinging the club, I would argue that by waiting 30 minutes to hit, she was put at a disadvantage by those players ahead of her that caused the wait. I am “fairly” knowledgeable of the rules and had no clue to this rule……..it’s time to look at the whole rule book and apply some common sense to the rules.
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
I don’t disagree that it might be worth reassessing some of the rules and penalties associated in golf. We could host it right here!
Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroom, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.
by Ryan Ballengee on Aug 23, 2010 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder
Lets say Julie used a large rubber band to temporarily attach a full bottle of water bottle to her club and used that to warm up. Would that be considered a violation as it was not a manufactured weighting device ?
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Jumpn......you didn't give us enough information....
is the water plain or flavored?, does it have little bubbles?, and most important would be the question….If the rubber band broke, would innocent bystanders be in danger of getting popped???……..as you can see, a lot of thought has to go into some of these moronic rules that we play by…..LOL
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
What would you call a warmup swing ? If you’re swinging a golf club during a round, you’re either taking a practice swing (limbering up counts) or an actual stroke.
It still boils down to the fact that she attached something to her club – so the ruling was correct. However, it is also a good example going forward as something that might need to be changed in the rules.
I agree that stiffness could be considered to be a medical condition, and, as much as I hate giving her credit, Judy Ranking correctly pointed out that if you pull out stretching bands or even call for a trainer, you are within the rules – just don’t attach anything to the club – the idea being that attaching and detaching can conceivably alter the club (but the player is then responsible for removing a damaged club).
One point – the weight she added is not just a weight for stretching. The IGotcha Ready is a training aid. It is designed to be used during practice to help with chipping and pitching, increasing swing speed, releasing the clubhead, as well as stretching. She had it in the recommended position for stretching.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Court.....you ask such tough questions.....
I would call a warmup swing something like this……a warmup swing…..whew that was hard….lol. A warmup swing is totally different than a practice swing, and yes she probably violated the rules as interpreted by those in charge. I was just making the point that even those terms (stroke and practice swing) could be interpreted as something different than what she did. I think we all agree that the rules need to be worked on.
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
Very true – and in that case, if she disagreed with the ruling, she had the option to ask for a second opinion.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Very good point......I wonder if she did argue the point
or just went along with it. She is keeping quiet (so far), at least I haven’t heard anything from her, so until someone talks we won’t know. Since she finished her round, there was time to change the ruling.
The Saints ARE the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS....WHO DAT!
But she looked like an old steam locomotive walking away – MAN was she hot.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Man, that is one analogy...where
did that come from? love it…..jis sayin….STUB
Hmmmm ? question
Is it acceptable for a player to put on wrist weights while taking practice swings ? A good option if its legit.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Have a golf story tip? Contact editor Charles Boyer and he will follow the story! Thanks!
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
