Dear Linda,
Could you please shed some light on the following questions:
The R&A states that the golf ball to be used in a competition
must be one of those listed on the “List of Conforming Golf Balls.” If a golf
ball is on this list but the name has been x’d out, or the word “Practice” has
been stamped on the ball, does the ball no longer comply?
I know that you are not allowed to play golf in a
competition with Range balls as they are not shown on the list of Conforming
Golf Balls.
Cross Out balls – those with the name ‘xxxxxx out’– normally
have imperfections with them when they are made and the name of the ball is
crossed out and they are sold with an imperfection at half price. However,
there is nothing different about the ball other than it might have a small
discolouration or scratch on its covering. If it is shown on the list of
Conforming Golf Balls, can you play in a competition with this ball?
Practice balls – again are shown as Conforming Golf Balls
and are given to the Pros before a tournament and they use them on the Practice
range. These are normal balls with the word Practice stamped on them. Can they
be used in a normal competition?
Many thanks,
Lou
Dear Lou,
Balls that are stamped as “X-out” or “refurbished” may not
be used in competitions where the Committee requires that any ball the player
uses must appear on the List of Conforming Golf Balls. If that Condition is not
in effect, you may use such balls in competition.
Balls that appear on the List of Conforming Golf Balls and are
stamped as “Practice” may be used at any time. Printing “practice” on a golf
ball is no different from printing a company logo [Decision 5-1/4].
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
