So, every once in a while, a buddy of mine picks up a new club at the local discount store. He never spends more than $10. One time it was this weird thing that had the loft of a sandwedge, but with a back section that looks like a driver. He was deadly accurate with it anywhere from 100 yards in.

Just recently he picked up something called the "Clutch Iron" ( http://beyondmotion.com/clutch/ ) I've hit it, and from 150 yards in, it's the straightest club I've ever hit.... It basically goes exactly where you aim it.

Neither of these clubs show up on the illegal or legal club lists on the USGA website. So, if they don't show up, are they legal?

The official answer is: you should ask the USGA and/or R&A.

Having said that, I think the Clutch Iron is permissible. A sandwedge having a back like a driver may very well not be. The distance between head and toe of the face should be larger than the distance from face to the back of the club. Hard to say without seeing the club itself, but it sounds like it may not meet that requirement.

I think the "sandwedge-ish" club is actually a chipper. I've seen some like that before.

mjaber wrote:

I think the "sandwedge-ish" club is actually a chipper. I've seen some like that before.

Or it might be an older "ALIEN" sand wedge. Some of them are for sale on E-Bay.