Regarding Lead Tape

[bignose]

So, I know that adding lead tape to an already conforming club is OK.

But, what if you used a shoddy piece of tape and it falls off during a round, are you allowed to replace it? Compelled to replace it? Or compelled not to replace it?

I've never seen it happen, but I am just curious...

[Fourputt]

Decision 4-2/0.5:

4-2/0.5 Lead Tape Applied to Clubhead or Shaft During Round

Q. With regard to Decision 4-1/4, may a player remove, add or alter lead tape during a round?

A. No. However, lead tape that becomes detached from the club in the normal course of play may be placed back onto the club in the same location. If the lead tape will not remain on the club in the same location, new tape may be used. Every effort should be made to restore the club, as nearly as possible, to its previous condition. Alternatively, the club may be used in its damaged state (without the lead tape) for the remainder of the round (Rule 4-3a).

If the tape is altered or damaged other than in the normal course of play, the club may not be used for the remainder of the round, under penalty of disqualification (see Rules 4-2a and 4-3).

[Bulls9999]

I suppose the replacement of the tape that came off....they're talking about the exact same piece of tape that was on there to begin with, not taking out another piece (which may not be the same size/weight)? In that case, more than likely you won't know it came off (that you would then not have it to put back on), unless someone saw it fly off during your swing?

Originally Posted by Fourputt

Decision 4-2/0.5:

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Bulls9999

I suppose the replacement of the tape that came off....they're talking about the exact same piece of tape that was on there to begin with, not taking out another piece (which may not be the same size/weight)? In that case, more than likely you won't know it came off (that you would then not have it to put back on), unless someone saw it fly off during your swing?

Read the Decision I quoted more carefully.

If the lead tape will not remain on the club in the same location, new tape may be used. Every effort should be made to restore the club, as nearly as possible, to its previous condition.

Meaning a new piece of the same size can be applied, and every effort should be made to do so. If it isn't possible, then the club can be used in it's altered condition. If you had started the round without the tape, then it can't be added during the round. For example, if the tape comes off during a practice swing before you play from the first tee, and you don't replace it before hitting your tee shot there, then it can't be replaced until after the round is finished.

[Bulls9999]

Right....but the way I read it, new tape can only be used 'if the old lead tape won't stick'.....so you can not apply new lead tape if you don't have the old one (to match it's size to?)....you just play without the lead tape, using the club in it's altered state.


4-2/0.5 Lead Tape Applied to Clubhead or Shaft During Round

Q. With regard to Decision 4-1/4, may a player remove, add or alter lead tape during a round?

A. No. However, lead tape that becomes detached from the club in the normal course of play may be placed back onto the club in the same location. If the lead tape will not remain on the club in the same location, new tape may be used. Every effort should be made to restore the club, as nearly as possible, to its previous condition. Alternatively, the club may be used in its damaged state (without the lead tape) for the remainder of the round (Rule 4-3a).

If the tape is altered or damaged other than in the normal course of play, the club may not be used for the remainder of the round, under penalty of disqualification (see Rules 4-2a and 4-3).

Originally Posted by Fourputt

Read the Decision I quoted more carefully.


Meaning a new piece of the same size can be applied, and every effort should be made to do so. If it isn't possible, then the club can be used in it's altered condition. If you had started the round without the tape, then it can't be added during the round. For example, if the tape comes off during a practice swing before you play from the first tee, and you don't replace it before hitting your tee shot there, then it can't be replaced until after the round is finished.

[petermo]

I think this is a bit picky - if it's not the same size it's not going to make much difference. The player will take a huge chance on his game if for example he adds a piece to his driver that is twice the size - it did after all come off by accident.

However, it is hoped that the "spirit of the game" will prevent cheating and his efforts to rectify the situation should be seen in the same light.

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by Bulls9999

Right....but the way I read it, new tape can only be used 'if the old lead tape won't stick'.....so you can not apply new lead tape if you don't have the old one (to match it's size to?)....you just play without the lead tape, using the club in it's altered state.


4-2/0.5 Lead Tape Applied to Clubhead or Shaft During Round

Q. With regard to Decision 4-1/4, may a player remove, add or alter lead tape during a round?

A. No. However, lead tape that becomes detached from the club in the normal course of play may be placed back onto the club in the same location. If the lead tape will not remain on the club in the same location, new tape may be used. Every effort should be made to restore the club, as nearly as possible, to its previous condition. Alternatively, the club may be used in its damaged state (without the lead tape) for the remainder of the round (Rule 4-3a).

If the tape is altered or damaged other than in the normal course of play, the club may not be used for the remainder of the round, under penalty of disqualification (see Rules 4-2a and 4-3).

I think that you might have some idea of how much you had applied the first place so that nearly matching it should not be an issue... assuming that you carry lead tape in your bag for such emergencies. I've never used the stuff so I really don't know much about it. The rule does seem to allow some leeway when it says " as nearly as possible".

[bignose]

Thanks, Rick. I was pretty sure there was a decision on it, but I'll admit I didn't really want to look for it.

[atticusfinch]

I'll admit I didn't really want to look for it.[/quote]

Just curious,,,,why?

[bignose]

Originally Posted by atticusfinch

Just curious,,,,why?

Well. 1) Like I said I've never seen it come up, I've never used lead tape and the one friend I have who does use it, the tape is one there and isn't moving anytime soon. So, it isn't a pressing question

2) I was right here on the forum anyway, and I think that this is one of the best forums for getting good answers on rules

3) The USGA's rulebook webpage is fairly frustrating to me. I find it difficult to find the specific topic I am looking for. So, I figured I'd just ask.

4) Searching for "Rules of Golf" and "lead tape" didn't pop up the answer on the first few entries,

So.... I asked here and got an answer with the decision number and anything in just a few hours. What more could I ask for?

[Bulls9999]

Actually, it's pretty easy. At first I thought you had to use the 'search' function from the rules page as opposed to the USGA home page, but I tried it for 'lead tape' and get the same result....the 'lead tape' answer is the first listed item when searched either way....although you'll have to read several of the statements before you get to the one describing the 'tape coming off'.

Rules | United States Golf Association

Enter 'lead tape' in the 'Search box' on the upper right.

First listed:

Decisions on Rule 4 - Clubs
... (Revised). 4-1/4 Lead Tape Applied to Clubhead or Shaft Before Start of Round. ... A.

==> "4-2/0.5 Lead Tape Applied to Clubhead or Shaft During Round" is the one

Originally Posted by bignose

Well. 1) Like I said I've never seen it come up, I've never used lead tape and the one friend I have who does use it, the tape is one there and isn't moving anytime soon. So, it isn't a pressing question

2) I was right here on the forum anyway, and I think that this is one of the best forums for getting good answers on rules

3) The USGA's rulebook webpage is fairly frustrating to me. I find it difficult to find the specific topic I am looking for. So, I figured I'd just ask.

4) Searching for "Rules of Golf" and "lead tape" didn't pop up the answer on the first few entries,

So.... I asked here and got an answer with the decision number and anything in just a few hours. What more could I ask for?