WRIST BRACE

Question
ARE YOU ALLOWED TO WEAR A BRACE AROUND YOUR RIGHT HAND THAT YOUR THUMB GOES THROUGH A HOLE AND UP AROUND YOUR WRIST (SOMETIMES USED FOR CARPEL TUNNEL) TO PLAY GOLF?  

Answer
Hi Linda:

As I sit here about to answer your question, I do not have a rules book in my possession.  So I will answer it this way.  If you need to wear something like that for medical reasons, I would say it is OK.  However, I must caution you, that if you are going to wear that and play in a sanctioned golf tournament (where the rules of golf are strictly enforced), it might be construed as a swing aid, and then it would be illegal to wear.  If you are about to play in a sanctioned event Linda, check with the committee to see if there is some local rule which they might allow it.  Still, though, it might be considered an aid, then it would be illegal and not permitted.  But, again, without the rule book right in front of me, I cannot be sure of the answer.  Just being honest.  Now if you are talking about wearing something like that to keep your wrist from breaking down through impact, you need to learn a very basic fundamental of how your hands should work.  I would not use it as an aid to prevent your wrist from breaking down.  That would lead to many other bad swing habits (because of the restriction) that aren't worth it.  Get some help from a PGA Pro and learn how to use your hands correctly.  Please check back if you need more clarification, I will search the technical answer for you.  Have a good day.  

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member