Can you change the performance of your clubs during a round?

Rule 4-2a specifically addresses changing the playing characteristics of a golf club during your round. It states, "During a stipulated round, the playing characteristics of a club must not be purposely changed by adjustment or by any other means".

Appendix II below explains what is meant by adjustability. Generally, this rule prohibits you from changing the weight and loft, lie and face angles of any club in your bag during your round. You cannot remove or re-position the screw-in adjustable weights found on some of today's popular clubs nor can you beat the club on the cart path to change the loft, lie or face angle.

Of course, other alterations like changing the swing weight by adding or removing lead tape are prohibited. You should consult the "Decisions on the Rules of Golf" if you have a specific question about what is prohibited.

The penalty for breach of Rule 4-2a is disqualification and applies to all clubs including a putter.

The Rules Of Golf Copyright© 2005
The United States Golf Association
Appendix II Design of Clubs

1. Clubs
      b. Adjustability
Woods and irons must not be designed to be adjustable except for weight. Putters may be designed to be adjustable for weight and some other forms of adjustability are also permitted. All methods of adjustment permitted by the Rules require that:

• the adjustment cannot be readily made;
• all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no reasonable likelihood of them working loose during a round; and
• all configurations of adjustment conform with the Rules.