Electrical tape on grip as "grip down" point -- legal?

[betarhoalphadelta]

Hey all... My son is a freshman in HS, and just started competing as part of the JV golf team. Wanted to get a ruling on this to make sure he doesn't get in trouble (DQ) out there...

 

A while back he inherited my old irons as he was getting too strong for the previous starter clubs (ultralight graphite senior flex) I had gotten him. Problem is I'm 6'5" and those irons were +1.5" extended. He's grown a lot even since then (he's now 6'1"), but they're still too long for him. So when I handed them down, I put a wrap of white electrical tape 1" down on the grip so he'd have a marker for gripping the club down at a more appropriate length for him. 

 

Thinking about it now, I'm worried that's an illegal alignment aid... 

 

Do I need to have him remove it?

[rogolf]

Why take the risk of making it non-conforming?  Draw a line on the grip with a sharpie or other marker.

[MattM97]

Quote

Due to the nature of grips and the grip provisions, it is sometimes challenging to make a ruling without examining and comparing examples of other grips which are known to either conform or not conform. However, this is not something which would normally be possible in the field. It may help to remember that the overall consideration is that a grip “must not be moulded for any part of the hands”. If a certain feature on the grip enables the player to place his or her hands in exactly the same position every time, solely by feel, then it must be determined whether that feature renders the grip “moulded for the hands”. An extreme example of a grip which would be ruled “moulded for the hands” is the type of training grip often used to help beginners. However, a grip which has subtle changes in surface texture would usually be considered conforming. Likewise, printed markings which assist with the correct placement of the hands visually would normally be considered conforming. Most of the details contained in Sections 3b and 3c below serve to clarify and expand on this basic principle.

 

Not sure if that counts. 

 

Why don't you just get the clubs cut to his size and get him new grips? 

[betarhoalphadelta]

35 minutes ago, rogolf said:

Why take the risk of making it non-conforming?  Draw a line on the grip with a sharpie or other marker.

 

That's a good idea. Thanks.

 

34 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

Not sure if that counts. 

 

Why don't you just get the clubs cut to his size and get him new grips? 

 

Thanks for posting the rule. 

 

Based on the text, I'd say there's nothing that makes it moulded to offer a feel-based alignment. I don't think he'd be able to feel a little tape through his glove. So I don't *think* it would be considered non-conforming. 

 

Main reason not to get them altered was just adding cost in at a point where I wasn't sure how seriously he would take the game, and when his body was rapidly growing (and probably still is). The grips were pretty fresh as I'd gotten them regripped not TOO long before getting my current clubs. 

 

Given that they're 20+ years old, it's more likely that I'll buy him a set of irons for his birthday this summer, so not throwing more money into these now would be preferred. 

[pingfool]

Have your son pick grips he like and butt trim regrip.

[Halebopp]

In my opinion it would not be allowed unless removed before each stroke, from Equipment Rule 2.1a(iv):

 

Examples of attachments that could be permitted include:

...

 

• Other temporary, non-permanent attachments to any part of the grip other than the butt end, provided such items are removed prior to making a stroke.  However, tape or gauze applied to the full length of the grip is permitted provided the grip conforms in its modified state and the underlying grip conforms.

[Albatross Dreamer]

I'd either ask the coach or shoot a message to the regional organization with the info from your first post. Would imagine there's been others in a similar situation.

[Mr. Bean]

25 minutes ago, Albatross Dreamer said:

I'd either ask the coach or shoot a message to the regional organization with the info from your first post. Would imagine there's been others in a similar situation.

 

 No need for that as @Halebopp gave the correct answer and @rogolf a great tip. The tape is against the Rules but a mark made with a sharpie is as good as a tape and allowed.

[betarhoalphadelta]

Yep. Looks like I'll have him remove it. 

 

He's old enough to decide for himself whether he wants to mark it with a sharpie or not, but I'll let him know it's an option. 

 

Appreciate the answers!

[mat562]

Faldo won a Masters with tape on his grips.

[Mr. Bean]

1 hour ago, mat562 said:

Faldo won a Masters with tape on his grips.

 

Good for him.

[mat562]

1 hour ago, Mr. Bean said:

 

Good for him.

 

Evidently not, according to some of the comments above, since it was only under the left hand and not running the full length of the grip. From memory, it was there to cushion a sore wrist, not as an alignment aid, but they still let him keep the jacket.

[Mr. Bean]

24 minutes ago, mat562 said:

 

Evidently not, according to some of the comments above, since it was only under the left hand and not running the full length of the grip. From memory, it was there to cushion a sore wrist, not as an alignment aid, but they still let him keep the jacket.

 

To me that sounds like a medical reason and current Rule 4.3b takes a stand on that. And I am very confident that there were top referees around and they must have made a correct ruling.