Please note, these accessories that everyone thinks authorized are actually prohibited in competition – Golf & Fairway

Some accessories, however common in golf bags, can cost you dear in official competition. Oblivion, and it is penalty, even disqualification. What do these strict rules hide? What everyday objects are likely to betray you on the course? We reveal everything to you to avoid the traps.

Non -compliant telemers: a discreet danger

THE telemers have become precious allies to gauge the distances, but not all of them pass the tournament test. The models equipped with advanced functions, such as wind measurement or slope analysis, are strictly prohibited by the rules of theUSGA one you R&A. These tools, judged as offering a unfair advantage, can lead to immediate disqualification.

Before slipping a rangefinder in your bag, check that it meets the standards. The organizers often require the devices to be limited to the gross distance measurement. An official sticker or a “tournament” mode can sometimes be required to prove compliance.

To be sure not to break the rules:

• Choose an approved rangefinder with an activated tournament mode.
• Disable any slope or wind calculation function before departure.
• Keep the documentation of the device to prove its compliance in the event of control.

Ball Retrievers: useful, but risky

THE ball retrieversthese telescopic poles to recover the lost bullets, are partly friendly, but prohibited in an official tournament. According to the rules, they are considered as unauthorized equipment, as they could be used for other functions, such as measuring distances. A simple presence in your bag can be worth two blows of penalty per hole, up to a maximum of four strokes.

Many amateur golfers ignore this rule, thinking that this harmless tool is no problem. However, the referees do not joke: a ball retriever Spotted during a bag control, even unused, leads to sanctions.

To avoid this trap:

• Leave your retriever ball at home or in your car before the tournament.
• Check your bag the day before to remove any doubtful equipment.
• If in doubt, see an official before departure to clarify.

Electronic accessories: the red line

THE electronic accessorieslike Bluetooth headphones or connected watches with certain features, are in the viewfinder of the organizers. The rules prohibit any device that can provide real -time data, such as weather notifications or tactical advice. Even a smartphone used for something other than score management can be problematic.

Golf watches, although popular, pose a risk if they display information on the wind or the slopes. Competitors must ensure that these functions are disabled. A forgetfulness can lead to a penalty of two shots, even a disqualification for recurrence.

How to stay in nails:

• Use a simple watch without connection or deactivate the notifications.
• Store your phone in the bag and limit its use to the score.
• Check the settings for your golf watch to block prohibited functions.

Non -standard tees and markers: the details that matter

THE tees et ball markers seem harmless, but some models are banished. Tees with characteristics improving performance, such as fins to reduce friction, are prohibited by the rules of theUSGA. Likewise, ball markers with bubble levels or overly sophisticated alignments can be deemed non -compliant.

A player has already been penalized for using a non -regulatory TEE without knowing it. The referees scrutinize these details, especially in high -level competitions. A ball marker with a too elaborate design can also draw attention.

To play safely:

• Opt for conventional wood or plastic tees, without technological additions.
• Use a flat and simple marker, such as a standard part or disk.
• Avoid gadgets sold as “optimized” without checking their compliance.

Food and drinks: surprising restrictions

THE food products Or drinks transported in the bag can also be a problem. Some tournaments prohibit energy drinks containing substances such as high dose caffeine, considered as performance aid. Noisy packaging, such as plastic bags, can be reported for disruption.

The organizers sometimes impose restrictions to limit waste on the route. A player taken with an unauthorized drink can receive a warning or even a penalty if the substance is deemed doping. The rules vary according to competitions, but caution is in order.

To avoid trouble:

• Favor water or drinks provided by the tournament.
• Pack your snacks in silent containers, such as reusable boxes.
• Check the tournament regulations for authorized food and drinks.

📌 Strengths to remember prohibited objects in a golf bag in competition

• Always check the conformity of your telemers And deactivate the prohibited functions.
• Remove them ball retrievers And other unauthorized equipment in your bag before the tournament.
• Disable the notifications of electronic accessories And limit the use of the phone.
• Use some tees et ball markers classic to avoid any suspicion.
• Respect the restrictions on food products and drinks to avoid penalties or warnings.