The player must not start a stipulated round with more than 14 clubs. He is limited to the clubs thus selected for that round, except that if he started with fewer than 14 clubs, he may add any number, provided his total number does not exceed 14.
The addition of a club or clubs must not unduly delay play (Rule 6-7) and the player must not add or borrow any club selected for play by any other person playing on the course.
Partners may share clubs, provided that the total number of clubs carried by the partners so sharing does not exceed 14.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULE 4-4a or b, REGARDLESS OF NUMBER OF EXCESS CLUBS CARRIED:
- Match play — At the conclusion of the hole at which the
breach is discovered, the state of the match is adjusted by
deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred;
maximum deduction per round: Two holes.
- Stroke play — Two strokes for each hole at which any breach
occurred; maximum penalty per round: Four strokes.
- Bogey and par competitions — See Note 1 to Rule 32-1a.
- Stableford competitions — See Note 1 to Rule 32-1b.
Any club or clubs carried or used in breach of Rule 4-3a(iii) or Rule 4-4 must be declared out of play by the player to his opponent in match play or his marker or a fellow-competitor in stroke play immediately upon discovery that a breach has occurred. The player must not use the club or clubs for the remainder of the stipulated round.
PENALTY FOR BREAK OF RULE 4-4c: Disqualification.
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