Bionic Gloves illegal?

[jimmyjames]

I've goofed around with Bionic gloves before (extra padding feels really nice hitting off artificial mats) but my buddy told me the USGA has made them illegal due to the knuckle alignment aide. Is this true?

[Sean2]

I believe the regular one is illegal in USGA sanctioned events. There is a "tour" model that is acceptable for play.

[Cloran]

illegal unless you have a medical necessity.

[jimmyjames]

Wow I had no idea...I never used them in any serious events mostly just at the driving range. Interesting. Is it due to the knuckle aide or padding?

[Double Gee]

I use them as i have arthitis in my fingers. they are without any doubt the best glove on the market BAR NONE!

The reason for their 'illegal' use is the padding is seem to give a slight advantage in that you dont have to grip as hard to gst the same grip as 'normal' gloves.

Having said that, how many people are playing in sanctioned events at the weekend 4 ball or club medal?

use them and be damned !

[dpb5031]

They are definitely helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and tendonitis. I think they might be non-conforming for PGA/USGA events but can be worn for play and competition otherwise. Perhaps I need to carry a Dr.'s note in my bag indicating the medical necessity in case I'm challenged by someone?


edit for spelling.

[Newby]

[quote name='dpb5031' date='24 May 2010 - 04:48 PM' timestamp='1274716124' post='2463646']
They are definitely helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and tendonitis. I think they might be non-conforming for PGA/USGA events but can be worn for play and competition otherwise. Perhaps I need to carry a Dr.'s not in my bag indicating the medical necessity in case I'm challenged by someone?
[/quote]

PGA/USGA makes no difference. If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone.

Thes gloves almost certainly are in breach of Rule 14-3 unless they are specifically worn for a medical reason.

[Speedly]

[quote]PGA/USGA makes no difference. If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone.[/quote]
I understand your argument, but I think you illustrated it poorly. I mean, square grooves are illegal in PGA/USGA, but we're allowed to use them for a good while yet.

The gloves may be non-conforming, but if your Saturday foursome is really *that* uptight, then you are welcome to buy a different glove to avoid an issue. I don't really see anything wrong (by common sense, not referring to the rulebook) with the gloves in question, though, for us amateurs.

[dpb5031]

[quote name='Newby' date='24 May 2010 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1274734379' post='2464292']
[quote name='dpb5031' date='24 May 2010 - 04:48 PM' timestamp='1274716124' post='2463646']
They are definitely helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and tendonitis. I think they might be non-conforming for PGA/USGA events but can be worn for play and competition otherwise. Perhaps I need to carry a Dr.'s not in my bag indicating the medical necessity in case I'm challenged by someone?
[/quote]

PGA/USGA makes no difference. [b]If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone[/b].

Thes gloves almost certainly are in breach of Rule 14-3 [b]unless they are specifically worn for a medical reason.[/b]
[/quote]
OK, since I choose to use one because it helps with my elbow tendonitis and thumb arthritis am in compliance with the rules? Seems like you are contradicting yourself in the above statements. I am not being a smart a**, I would really like to know.

[Sawgrass]

See exception #1:


[b]14-3. Artificial Devices, Unusual Equipment and Unusual Use of Equipment[/b]
The United States Golf Association (USGA) reserves the right, at any time, to change the Rules relating to artificial devices, unusual [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url] and the unusual use of [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url], 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 [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14280#14-3"]14-3[/url] 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 [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#StipulatedRound"][i]stipulated round[/i][/url] would cause a player to be in breach of Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14280#14-3"]14-3[/url]. 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[i] Rules.[/i]

Except as provided in the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Rules"][i]Rules[/i][/url], during a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#StipulatedRound"][i]stipulated round[/i][/url] the player must not use any artificial device or unusual [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url], or use any [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url] in an unusual manner:

[indent][b]a.[/b] That might assist him in making a [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Stroke"][i]stroke[/i][/url] or in his play; or
[b]b.[/b] For the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions that might affect his play; or
[b]c.[/b] That might assist him in gripping the club, except that:

[indent][b](i)[/b] plain gloves may be worn;
[b](ii)[/b] resin, powder and drying or moisturizing agents may be used; and
[b](iii)[/b] a towel or handkerchief may be wrapped around the grip.

[/indent][/indent]Exceptions:

[indent][b]1.[/b] A player is not in breach of this Rule if (a) the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url] 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 [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment [/i][/url]or device, and (c) the [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Committee"][i]Committee[/i][/url] is satisfied that its use does not give the player any undue advantage over other players.

[b]2.[/b] A player is not in breach of this Rule if he uses [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Equipment"][i]equipment[/i][/url] in a traditionally accepted manner.

[/indent]Penalty for Breach of Rule [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14280#14-3"]14-3[/url]: Disqualification.

Note: The [url="http://www.usga.org/workarea/linkit.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=14253#Committee"][i]Committee[/i][/url] may make a Local Rule allowing players to use devices that measure or gauge distance only.

[dpb5031]

Thanks Sawgrass!

[SNIPERBBB]

[quote name='Newby' date='24 May 2010 - 04:52 PM' timestamp='1274734379' post='2464292']
[quote name='dpb5031' date='24 May 2010 - 04:48 PM' timestamp='1274716124' post='2463646']
They are definitely helpful to those who suffer from arthritis and tendonitis. I think they might be non-conforming for PGA/USGA events but can be worn for play and competition otherwise. Perhaps I need to carry a Dr.'s not in my bag indicating the medical necessity in case I'm challenged by someone?
[/quote]

PGA/USGA makes no difference. If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone.

Thes gloves almost certainly are in breach of Rule 14-3 unless they are specifically worn for a medical reason.
[/quote]

It does make a difference if its PGA or USGA.
If its banned for the PGA, it may/may not be banned for you. If it is banned in the USGA its banned for you.

[Newby]

[quote name='Speedly' date='25 May 2010 - 11:47 AM' timestamp='1274784451' post='2465684']
[quote]PGA/USGA makes no difference. If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone.[/quote]
I understand your argument, but I think you illustrated it poorly. I mean, square grooves are illegal in PGA/USGA, but we're allowed to use them for a good while yet.[/quote]

I think you have misunderstood the Rule about grooves. The square grooves are still legal for everyone. However, the PGA and other Pro Tours have introduced a Condition of Competition requiring players to use the new grooves in their competitions. The USGA and R&A have recommended that such a CoC be introduced for all other pro and high level amateur competitions from 2014. They will probably be made illegal some time around 2024.

But any competition organiser may introduce such a CoC now if they wish.

[quote]The gloves may be non-conforming, but if your Saturday foursome is really *that* uptight, then you are welcome to buy a different glove to avoid an issue. I don't really see anything wrong (by common sense, not referring to the rulebook) with the gloves in question, though, for us amateurs.
[/quote]

I have no problem with what your Saturday foursome do but if one of you is wearing them (without any medical need) and they are worn to enhance his performance, isn't that really cheating? Rather like using a non-conforming driver.

[EBgolf]

[quote name='Newby' date='26 May 2010 - 12:39 PM' timestamp='1274891943' post='2468528']
[quote name='Speedly' date='25 May 2010 - 11:47 AM' timestamp='1274784451' post='2465684']
[quote]PGA/USGA makes no difference. If they are 'illegal' they are 'illegal' for everyone.[/quote]
I understand your argument, but I think you illustrated it poorly. I mean, square grooves are illegal in PGA/USGA, but we're allowed to use them for a good while yet.[/quote]

I think you have misunderstood the Rule about grooves. The square grooves are still legal for everyone. However, the PGA and other Pro Tours have introduced a Condition of Competition requiring players to use the new grooves in their competitions. The USGA and R&A have recommended that such a CoC be introduced for all other pro and high level amateur competitions from 2014. They will probably be made illegal some time around 2024.

But any competition organiser may introduce such a CoC now if they wish.

[quote]The gloves may be non-conforming, but if your Saturday foursome is really *that* uptight, then you are welcome to buy a different glove to avoid an issue. I don't really see anything wrong (by common sense, not referring to the rulebook) with the gloves in question, though, for us amateurs.
[/quote]

I have no problem with what your Saturday foursome do but if one of you is wearing them (without any medical need) and they are worn to enhance his performance, isn't that really cheating? Rather like using a non-conforming driver.
[/quote]


I can see it both ways if I am playing in a tournament then everything must go by the rules but if I choose to play with one of them in my Saturday foursome I will be able to sleep at night and not consider it cheating

I know it can go on and on saying if I play better with it then my handicap will go down but I guess in the end it will all come out in the wash when I can't play to my handicap but I don't see it shaving strokes off of my score

...but having said all of that I don't personally wear one because of the price but I would have no problem if I played with someone that did in a no tournament setting

[cardoustie]

OLD thread pop up !

 

I just found these bionic gloves and man do they help with the tendonitis in my left elbow and hand

 

I guess I will dredge up a doctor's note if I do a mid am qualifier next spring

[Stuart_G]

I love them as well (due to arthritis in the hands) but only use them for range sessions. They do offer a version that's conforming, although I haven't tried them yet so can't say how they compare to the fully padded version.

 

http://www.bionicgloves.com/performancegrip

 

Not sure a Dr's note would be enough - check with the tournament committee before using. The requirements for gloves are actually covered in appendix IV. The applicable part that makes these non-conforming would be:

 

 

A "plain" glove must not incorporate:

• material on the gripping surface or inside of the glove, the primary purpose of which is to provide padding or which has the effect of providing padding. Padding is defined as an area of glove material which is more than 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) thicker than the adjacent areas of the glove without the added material;
   
  Note: Material may be added for wear resistance, moisture absorption or other functional purposes, provided it does not exceed the definition of padding (see above).
  

[oldschoolrocker]

Card,

+1. They certainly extend the amount of pain free time I can play.

[Forged4ever]

Thanks Sawgrass!

LMAO, as I was reading down the page, I was thinkin WhereTF is Sawgrass,lol

 

I hope that you're well and enjoy the Cup. Boy, that 4-O start is gonna come in handy, haha.

 

Stay well my Friend,

Richard