As we all know (or should know) the maximum number of clubs in a bag is 14. If you have a 15th (or more!) it is penalty under Rule 4.3b in The Rules of Golf. In stroke play, there are two strokes for each hole where the violation occurred up to four strokes. In match play it gets a bit more complicated. The match must be adjusted by deducting one hole from the violator, with a maximum of two holes. Note that this is not the same as losing a hole. At the end of the hole being played or just completed, the match is revised to draw a hole. The deduction is applied up to two holes for a multi-hole break.

A little confused? OK, here’s the example The Rules of Golf gives:

“If a player who started with 15 clubs becomes aware of the offense while playing the third hole and then wins that hole to go 3 up in the match, the maximum two-hole adjustment applies and the player would now be 1 up in the match.”

The key here, of course, is to check your bag before you start. But what about the issue of carrying golf “parts” in your bag or cart? Is it considered a 15th club?

Actually no. Rule 4.3 allows you to carry things like an extra driver head or shaft in the bag. Grip is also OK. What you can’t do is use any of that during the round. The same applies if you stick a club you found on the course in your bag, like when someone leaves a putter or wedge near a green. Remember, you can wear it, but you can’t use it.

Also, don’t worry if your buddy in the golf cart accidentally puts his wedge in your bag or vice versa. Neither of you are breaking the 14 club rule for that oversight.

Back to the scenario of carrying an extra driver head in the bag. You might be wondering if you can use that head to replace your existing driver for a round if the first one were to get damaged. After all, you can repair or replace a damaged club underneath Rule 4.1. In this case, however, you cannot build a club out of worn parts. It’s best to leave it back in the locker room or your car so it’s there in case of an emergency.