Would this type of wrist brace be allowed in tournament play?

Would this type of wrist brace be allowed in a USGA tournament or a "real" tournament following the rules of golf? Thanks for any advice.

Not allowed. Please see 4-3 (5)

What would be the reason it is not allowed? If the golfer let's say has an injury or has an athritic wrist? What advantage would they have? I would think they would rather have a good wrist than have to wear a brace. What would be allowed ?b. Equipment Used for Medical Reasons(1) Medical Exception. A player is not in breach of Rule 4.3 if he or she uses equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) to help with a medical condition, so long as:The player has a medical reason to use the equipment

, andThe Committee

 decides that its use does not give the player any unfair advantage over other players.(2) Tape or Similar Coverings. A player may use adhesive tape or a similar covering for any medical reason (such as to prevent an injury or help with an existing injury), but the tape or covering must not:Be applied excessively, orHelp the player more than is necessary for the medical reason (for example, it must not immobilize a joint to help the player swing the club).A player who is uncertain about where or how tape or similar coverings may be applied should ask the Committee

 for a ruling.

Looks ok to me. I don't see a rule prohibiting it. If you have a medical condition. (I cant read the writing though so im assuming its a medical strap and not a swing aid.)

I wore a similar one for a while following a wrist operation.

Why do you wish to use it?

I must have missed the question about a medical condition in the OP.

However, with a medical condition, still a judgement call. Refer to your post:

The Committee decides that its use does not give the player any unfair advantage over other players.I would say that may be a fine line...

Because I have an arthritic wrist and it hurts like the devil not using one. Or if there is something that is allowed. For casual rounds I don't really care, but have some friends that want me to play in some tournaments with them. Don't want to be questioned on it or it not be allowed. If there is an alternative then I am open to it. Doctor suggested it and it does help.

So, given that, you have a legit chance of getting it allowed. If it were me I’d get a note from my doctor (to show sincerity) about my condition, and supply any relevant info from the device manufacturer to the tournament committee. I’d guess that getting out in front of the issue will get you the approval you seek.

Michelle Wie wore something very similar a while back on the LPGA (before she finally gave up).

It always depends on the reason for use. If you’re using it because you feel it gives you a better chance of hitting the ball on the middle of the face, you can’t use it.

BUT, if you use it for a medical reason, it should be allowable as per the rules. It’s up to each individual committee of course.

Medical exemptions for using equipment will always be a part of golf. See Casey Martin.

So if you taped it up, would you have to go to a committee each time? I see players taping fingers, etc.

The key point is there is no support device that is automatically approved, a process needs to be followed for tournament/competition play.

Are they taping fingers together?

I have not seen that done before.

Before? So you have seen players taping their fingers together?

The key parts of the Rule says that you need a medical reason to wear it AND the Committee determines that it does not give you an unfair advantage over others.

A purely medical condition doesn't satisfy the Rules, it will always be an onsite Committee decision.

Could you tape the wrist?. Or what if the loop wasn't around the thumb?

No

Something like this? Could you just tape it up and play?

Look at the last sentence of your own post #3.

Looks like tape, not a brace.

It's a brace.

What is the difference from the Rules point of view?

That is what I am trying to figure out from folks who have had this situation or who have experience with tournaments and the rules of golf. Golf is a little bit different than other sports. Other sports you slap some tape on it or a brace and go play. I don't want to be in violation of a rule.

None, just a guess though that tape would be viewed more favorably by most committees.

Here is a scenario, what if you weree injuted on let's say hole 12. You want to finish the round. I am guessing you couldn't just throw some tape on the wrist(or wherever). In most other sports you can. What about a knee brace? If it were under your pants or a shoe insert? Heck, it may help some players.

The Rule is the same for all of them - legitimate medical condition and no unfair advantage over others - Tournament Committee will determine.

Might be a dumb question, but when would one do that ? Before the tournament? At the start? When you show up? As for shoe inserts, I can't imagine every player is going to the committee to to get permission to sue their Dr Scholls.

Your request isn't similar to putting insoles into your shoes. It appears the wrist brace would assist in maintaining a wrist angle. Back to the medical exemption you posted:

(2) Tape or Similar Coverings. A player may use adhesive tape or a similar covering for any medical reason (such as to prevent an injury or help with an existing injury), but the tape or covering must not:Be applied excessively, orHelp the player more than is necessary for the medical reason (for example, it must not immobilize a joint to help the player swing the club).A player who is uncertain about where or how tape or similar coverings may be applied should ask the Committee

First, the prohibitions listed in 4.3a are associated with eliminating or reducing the skill or judgment for playing the game. IMO it would have to be a very specific shoe insert which rises to that level.

When should a player ask? As soon as he/she is concerned that he/she might be in violation or might about to be in violation.

I sense you're frustrated with the subjectivity in the written words. IMO that's intentional and valuable.

Here's a scenario for you to consider: A healthy player has difficulty keeping his right wrist flat, so he puts on a wrist brace which accomplishes this for him, claiming that he/she has a medical condition.