Originally Posted by GoNavy

Ok here is one that is going to cause some debate, so lets here some opinions. I plan to write the USGA because I am a little curious about this one myself. Another GTO member gave this situation:

"Into the wind, to reduce the spin rate, take a practice swing and fill the grooves up with dirt and grass. This will stop the grooves from doing their job and the ball will spin less!"

The question is, does this violate rule 4-2b, which states:

Foreign Material (Rule 4-2b)
The Equipment Standards Committee uses this Rule when materials of a temporary nature have been applied to the face — such as saliva, grass juice, chalk, aerosol spray or other similar substances. Permanent attachments or coatings such as plasma spray, ‘balata’-type rubber or even paint are dealt with under the club face Rules in Appendix II (see Sections 1 and 5).
The most important question to ask when ruling on a club which has had something temporarily applied to the face by a player is ‘why has it been put there?’ If a material or substance has been applied to the face in order to protect it (e.g., to increase wear resistance) or to clean it, then it would probably be permitted. However, if the purpose of the application is to influence the movement of the ball or assist the player in making a stroke, it would be prohibited. Any type of tape or similar material added to the face is not permitted for any purpose.


Lets here your opinion.