[Interesting Golf Rules] "What if a Golf Club Breaks During a Match?"

The scene of "Hulk" Bryson DeChambeau's driver breaking on the first day of last year's PGA Championship.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "My driver broke."

‘Hulk’ Bryson DeChambeau (USA) experienced a bizarre incident last August during the first day of the 2020 season’s first major, the PGA Championship, when his driver broke. At the 7th hole (par 4), right after his tee shot, the head-shaft area was damaged, possibly unable to withstand his 110kg body weight while picking up the tee. He immediately asked the rules official about replacing the club and, according to golf rule 4-1, brought a spare club stored in his car.

DeChambeau is currently the longest hitter on the PGA Tour, averaging 320.9 yards. His ‘bulk up’ by gaining 18kg last year was the starting point. It is noteworthy that he became a major champion at the US Open in September. In March’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, he even attempted a ‘hole-in-one on a par 5’ and made big news. At the 6th hole, where the fairway curves left around a lake, he carried the water hazard with a massive 377-yard shot.

Non-intentional golf club damage allows a ‘no penalty replacement.’ This applies when the club is damaged by external forces, natural causes, or someone else (excluding the player and caddie). Another long hitter, Bubba Watson (USA), also broke his driver in two during the second round of the Travelers Championship last June at the 2nd hole (par 4). Interestingly, his tee shot flew 300 yards, and he made a light birdie by hitting his second shot within just 50 yards close to the hole.

On the other hand, Kim Si-woo created a unique scene at the Masters in April when his putter bent on the second day, forcing him to putt with a 3-wood from the 15th hole (par 5). After missing putts gradually from the 11th hole (par 4), he slammed his putter on the ground right after an approach shot near the 15th green. Players who intentionally damage or alter the performance of their clubs are, of course, not entitled to relief. Fortunately, Kim maintained par on all four holes (15th to 18th) where he putted with a wood.

Attempting wood putting on the professional golf tour requires caution regarding the ‘anchoring ban.’ The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) ruled in 2016 that “a golf club may not be anchored to the body during a stroke.” This applies equally to long-shafted wood putters. Using a modified club as is results in disqualification. Jack Blair (USA) was disqualified after breaking his putter on the 5th hole (par 5) during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship in May 2016 and then using it on the 6th hole (par 3).