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Rules Guy: Is it legal to write putting tips on my putterhead?

November 1, 2018

The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers. 

I’m a player who can’t wait to see the ball go in (or miss) the hole when putting, so I tend to look up too early. To cure this habit, I wrote “Don’t look” up on top of the putterhead as a reminder. A buddy hinted that I may be violating a rule. Am I?
—ROMY DIONISIUS, TEMPE, ARIZ.

Lexi Thompson putter
Lexi Thompson’s putter has “HAPPY” inscribed on the face.

In a word, no … assuming that you’re using, say, a Sharpie. Engraving is also legal. (Rules Guy has “Make this…or else!” tattooed on his own flatstick.)

You could run into issues that might render the club nonconforming by taping or otherwise fastening instructions to old Billy Baroo. So, please, no Post-It notes or dry-erase boards.

Got a rules question? Of course you do! Whatever it may be, send yours to rulesguy@golf.com and the question may be answered in an upcoming issue of GOLF. Until then, play by the Rules!