Golf ball misunderstandings explained
HAL LENOBEL
Contributing Columnist
golf@lbknews.com
Golf is one of the few sports in which, even at the highest levels, players bring their own equipment. Despite the fact that we “regular golfers” may go through several dozen a year, there are still certain misunderstandings regarding golf balls. Here are the explanations to some common ball related Rules questions:
What constitutes a “legal” ball? When golfers agree to play under USGA Rules, they must play only balls that conform to USGA specifications regarding weight, size and other technical requirements. Competitors on the PGA Tour or in USGA events are limited to use of balls listed on the USGA Conforming Balls List, which is updated twice a year and includes virtually all the popular brands. You can view the list at usga.org.
What is the one ball rule, and why can’t I find it in the Rules book? The one ball rule, formally called the “one-ball condition,” limits a player to the use of the same brand and type ball for the entire round. It does not refer to the use of just one ball for the entire round or even for an entire hole. He could, for instance, swap a Titleist 2 for a Titleist 3, but if he starts out with a Titleist Pro VI, he could not switch to a Titleist Pro VIx.
If you asked 10 people what the one ball rule is, you’d probably get 10 different answers, and you won’t find it listed under the Rules of Play. The reason is that it is not a Rule of Golf but rather a Local Rule that is used only at the discretion of the competition.
When am I permitted to change or clean my golf ball? Whether or not the one ball rule is in effect, you can change balls between play of holes or during a hole if you lose your original ball, declare it unplayable or hit it into a water hazard. You may also substitute a new ball for one that has become “unfit for play” during a hole. A ball is considered unfit for play only if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape (Rule 5-3). This does not mean you can tee off with an old “water ball” and then change to a new ball once you reach the green.
Virtually every time you are permitted to lift your ball — ground under repair, embedded ball, casual water, etc. — you may also clean it. The only exceptions are when you lift it to determine if it is unfit for play (though you may clean it as much as is necessary to determine if it is unfit), if it is interfering or assisting play of another ball or for identifying purposes.
What is the difference between a provisional ball and a second ball? A provisional ball is a time-saving courtesy extended to a player whose ball may be out of bounds or lost outside a water hazard, to prevent the player from having to walk all the way back to the spot he just played from. A second ball is used only in stroke play when a player is in doubt about the Rules or the procedures he is supposed to follow. If you find yourself in a tricky situation, you must announce your decision to invoke this Rule (3-3) before taking any further action (like taking relief or playing another stroke), and you must also announce which of the two balls you want to have counted. You must then play out the hole with both balls and report all the facts to the Committee before returning your scorecard.
No doubt the Committee and your fellow competitors will be impressed with your newfound knowledge of the Rules involving the ball. Instead of taking your ball and going home, maybe you’ll tee one up and go play another round.
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Few players would consider bringing a bulldozer to the course to remodel it to suit their own strengths. The concept of ‘playing the course as you find it’ applies on less absurd levels too. For instance, a player who wishes to putt a ball from the fringe of the putting green is prohibited from pressing down a ball mark or other irregularity of surface on the fringe to improve his line of play.
Rule 13-2 codifies this concept by listing the areas that a player may not improve, the types of improvements that may not be made, and the circumstances under which no penalty is incurred despite the improvement.
Examples of actions that are a breach of Rule 13-2:
• Mopping up dew on one’s line of putt.
• Pressing the club down firmly behind the ball to improve the lie of the ball.
• Breaking off a limb that interferes with one’s backswing prior to beginning one’s backswing.
Examples that are not a breach of Rule 13-2:
• Pressing down irregularities on the teeing ground.
• Repairing ball marks on the putting green.
• Breaking a branch interfering with the backswing when the branch is broken by the backswing and the player completes the stroke.
Hal Lenobel was a member of the United States Golf Association Rules and Tournament Committee for 25 years. He officiated at more than 150 tournaments during his tenure.
