Weird one here...Friend was playing in a tournament the other day and a person in his group accused him of "using someone elses equipment" when he used a broken tee off the ground on a par three.

The person claimed that it should be a 2 stroke penalty. My friend countered that using someone elses tee is not considered a club hence not a breach. I think I know the anser but would like to be sure.

A discarded tee is not classed as 'someone else's equipment.'

I must have been born lucky as I've managed to avoid any of these delusional rules nazis for the most part during my golfing life.

I'm not sure of the exact ruling, but Section 1 of Common Sense is a good place to start looking.

I thought the same thing, but didn't know if I was "unknowingly breaking the rules" this whole time...

A tee would meet the definition of "equipment", although a discarded tee would be a stretch. But, there is no rule prohibiting the use of another players equipment, other than the 14 club rule (Rule 4-4). Sunscreen would also qualify as equipment. I wonder if this guy would call a penalty if I needed to keep from getting sun burned. Also, the rules specifically discuss players sharing equipment in the definition of equipment (golf carts).

If you are ever at a tour event near a par 3 tee, you will often times see the tee marshalls picking up the used tees players leave behind and them putting them near the tee marker for upcoming players to use. (and YES, I just checked Guiness Book of World Records and I did just qualify for a World Record for most uses of the word 'tee' in one sentence)

If that were indeed a breach of a rule, I'd hate to know the number of PGA Tour titles and Majors we'd have to go back and overturn for players signing incorrect scorecards because they didn't count their 2 stroke penalty!

This person is the biggest goat I have ever heard of.

Hopefully your friend used the broken tee and jammed it in the accusers eye, unless he was wearing borrowed sunglasses.

You can actually use a golf ball from another competitors bag, if under the "one ball" rule it just must be the same model.

What a nutjob. I always use a discarded broken tee on par 3's. I like that they easily give way to allow my divot, yet still hold the ball up for a perfect lie.

Did you ask him to show you the rule?
Were you carrying a rule book?

Best rules answer ever, I love it!

Kevin

I wasn't there, but when he told me I laughed, made a comment about the idiot who would even make such a claim...then I thought, you know what there are some pretty stupid rules in golf, I better check this one out. Thanks for the responses, at least this stupid situation gave me a good laugh today.

What's the rule if you steal someone's beer when they're not looking?

That guy somehow made it past the tournament asshat screen. I'll play with someone like that once.

I agree... see no argument. but maybe we should keep that a I especially love those two words "common sense" too.

I'm pretty sure its a 1 shot penalty. The next time you're standing at the tee box practicing your waggle, I'll walk up behind you with my 3 iron and knock one out of a fluffy lie... Don't ever steal my beer and turn your back to me