Linda–
A discussion recently ensued among one of my golf groups
regarding using the same ball and using the same brand in a round. Afterward I
consulted the 2012 rules of golf and could not find a definitive answer.
Am I correct that the directive to use the same brand &
type of ball throughout a round is only something the PGA Tour insists on in
their professional tournaments and we weekend warrior amateurs are free to
substitute a different brand when needed?
I am aware that a player can, after seeking agreement from
his opponent or playing partners, put a new ball into play if his original is
damaged and unfit for play and he can put a ball in play to replace a ball that
is lost and he can place a provisional in play while determining if an errant
shot is lost, but I couldn't find any wording in the rules that specifically
indicates that a player can, if he wishes, put a new ball in play on every tee
and must play it to completion of that hole only, barring the above mentioned
loss or damage.
Am I correct?
Thanks,
Lou
Dear Lou,
Limiting players to one brand and model of golf ball is an
optional Condition of the Competition. It is known as the “One Ball Condition,”
and it is listed in Appendix I, Part C, in the back of the rulebook. This
condition is only recommended for competitions among low handicap players.
Ordinary golfers are limited to any golf balls that conform
to the specifications listed in Appendix III [Rule 5-1]. Most golf balls
available for purchase in your local sporting goods store conform to these
specifications.
Each hole is a new adventure, which may be started with any
legal ball. You may not change balls during a hole unless your ball is unfit
for play. A ball is unfit if it is visibly cut, cracked, or out of shape [Rule
5-3]. It is not unfit if it has had a close encounter with a tree or a cart
path and acquired what is commonly called “tree rash” or “road rash” (a scrape
on the surface). Barring any unfortunate incidents (see next paragraph), you
must finish each hole with the same ball you hit from the tee.
Any time the Rules tell you that you may drop “a” ball, you
may use any legal ball. A sampling of Rules where you may drop “a” ball
includes the Rules dealing with balls that are in a water hazard, lost, out of
bounds, unplayable, or unrecoverable. When the Rules tell you to drop “the”
ball, you must drop your original ball (e.g., embedded ball, wrong putting
green, immovable obstructions, abnormal ground conditions, etc.).
Rule 1-1 tells you to play a ball with a club from the
teeing ground into the hole. It explains that you must do this in accordance
with the Rules. There can be no Rule that insists you use the same ball from
start to finish, since so many mishaps may occur to cause you to play with a
different ball. The Rules simply tell you when you may or may not substitute a
ball or drop a ball that is not your original. Just pay attention to the
vocabulary: “a ball” means any ball, “the ball” means you may not substitute
another ball.
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
