"Prototype"

[gxDD]

Rules question

Last caddie job I had, I aske the assistant pro if playing a club clearly labeled, "PROTOTYPE" is legal.....she said no it's not legal. I know that the USGA's "conforming list" governs what clubs pros can use, but my interest in this subject is more geared toward "the rules of golf". Can anyone shed any light on this or inform me as to where in the rule book this might be covered? Thanks.

[Newby]

I'm not sure what you are asking but just because it is maked 'prototype' doesn't mean it is non-conforming. It conforms if it satisfies the requirements of Appendix II - Design of Clubs.

The manufacturer may not have submitted it for testing yet. If a manufacturer fails to submit a sample or, having submitted a sample, fails to await a ruling before manufacturing and/or marketing the club, the manufacturer [i](or player)[/i] assumes the risk of a ruling that the club does not conform with the[i] Rules[/i].

[markheardjr]

There are hundreds of "Prototype" clubs on tour that disagree with her. Some companies just keep the Prototype in the name of the product. The VS Proto for instance. Adam's is norotious for leaving "Prototype" on their hybrids. How about the X-Prototype's that Phil plays? Aaron Baddeley's "BADD's Prototype" blades. The new Nippon NS Prototype shafts are played on tour. Prototype is just a decal unless it's non-conforming. Just like golf balls labeled "Practice." They are legal for tournament play, the Practice is just a logo. X-Out's however are not allowed, the OEM has deemed them not fit for use and therefore not in compliance with the rules.

[highergr0und]

It's legal as long as it conforms to the rules.... A club doesn't have to be explicitly approved to be put in play, but it opens up the possibility that it may not be when checked.

[Newby]

[quote name='markheardjr' date='15 February 2010 - 04:55 PM' timestamp='1266252941' post='2252959']
X-Out's however are not allowed, the OEM has deemed them not fit for use and therefore not in compliance with the rules.
[/quote]

Are you meaning x-out balls ?

All golf balls that are sent to the USGA for conformance evaluation, that are tested and found to conform to the Rules, are published on a monthly basis on the USGA's Conforming Golf Ball List.

X-out balls are normally not submitted for conformance and are not considered representative of balls with similar markings that may be on the List. As a player, you should check to see if the Conforming Ball List is in effect as a Condition of Competition at your club or event. If it is not, a golf ball may be used under USGA Rules of Golf provided it is not obviously non-conforming or advertised as such (see Decision US/5-1/101 - Status of Ball Not on List of Conforming Golf Balls, in the Decisions on the Rules of Golf).