Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ask Linda #421-Ball unfit for play

Dear Linda

Yesterday, my friend hit the ball with his second shot onto the green. He putted (without cleaning) and missed the hole. Than he noticed that the ball was not dirty but split in two.
What is the correct procedure in his case ?

Best regards
Lou 

Dear Lou,

Unfortunately, the putt that missed will count in his score. When the player becomes aware that his ball is split, he must tell his opponent or fellow competitor that he suspects his ball is unfit for play. He will then mark it, lift it, examine it, and show it to the other player. If it is determined that the ball is unfit, he may substitute another ball. If not, then he must replace the original ball [Rule 5-3]. A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked, or out of shape.

Linda
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