Section 2: Equipment
Conforming Equipment Requirement
Every club and ball used in a PGA TOUR competition must conform to the equipment rules in the Rules of Golf and appear on the published conforming lists maintained by the USGA and The R&A:
- Conforming clubs: Drivers and other clubs must appear on (or be submitted and confirmed against) the Conforming Driver Head List and the equipment standards for clubheads, shafts, and grips.
- Conforming golf balls: The ball played must be named on the current Conforming Golf Ball List.
- One Ball Rule: The PGA TOUR adopts the optional "One Ball" Condition of Competition — during a round a player must use the same brand and model of golf ball.
The 14-Club Rule
- A player may start a stipulated round with no more than 14 clubs and may not add clubs during the round beyond replacing a club damaged in the normal course of play (within the limits of the Rules of Golf).
- Sharing clubs with another player is not permitted.
- Carrying excess clubs results in a penalty under the Rules of Golf.
Distance-Measuring and Electronic Devices
- For most PGA TOUR competitions the use of distance-measuring devices is not permitted during a round; players and caddies rely on the official yardage book and on-course markings. (Some events or practice rounds may permit them; the committee's Notice to Competitors controls.)
- The use of equipment to gauge or measure conditions such as wind or slope while making a stroke or for the round is restricted under the Rules of Golf.
Player Equipment and Apparel
- Players must present a neat and professional appearance; tournament apparel standards apply on the course and in official areas.
- Shoes must not damage the putting greens; metal-spike restrictions are commonly applied as a Condition of Competition.
- Advertising and logo placement on equipment, apparel, and the bag is governed by PGA TOUR regulations.
Anti-Doping
The PGA TOUR Anti-Doping Program prohibits listed performance-enhancing substances and methods. Players are responsible for what is in their bodies and may be tested in and out of competition; the program is part of the integrity framework that surrounds equipment and play.