Rule 1.3c covers this and goes on to clarify what happens in general when a player breaches a rule and then breaches another rule before the next stroke.
As of January 1, 2025, in competitions where the Model Local Rule is in effect, visible cracks to the face and clubhead now also constitute “broken or the damage significant” enough to allow the club to be removed (providing it was not caused by player abuse).
Rule 4.3 allows you to carry things such as an extra driver head or shaft in your bag. Grips are OK, too. What you can’t do is use any of that stuff during the round.
While most people see the rules as limiting what golfers can do on the course, a broader understanding of golf’s dos and don’ts allows players to take advantage of opportunities the rules also present – and keep your scorecard from blowing up in the process.
The intent here is not to introduce a new generation of golfers to a classic way to (cough) cheat. Rather, it’s a friendly reminder to be on the lookout for a small handful of players prone to take some liberties when it comes to marking their golf ball on the putting green.
Australian Golf Digest
