When do you replace the ball

normally I will only play it a round.  Then I make it a chipping ball.  I also keep these type of balls in my bag for holes that I am thinking I might try to go over water or in scrambles when you try shots you shouldn't and could loose your ball. But if I am playing in a tourney like league, club championship, etc, I will use a new ball every 6 holes at least.  Then use them when I play in my normal group.

I was wondering if you need to alert your playing partners when changing out a ball in tournaments? Just as a courtesy and so that if the number on the ball has changed people will know it and not think you are trying to pull a fast one if searching for a ball.

I always play the same ball when I play.  If my new ball is the same number I don't care, but if it is a different number I always say on the T that my ball number has changed.  There really shouldn't matter if you have a specific way that you mark your ball(unless you lose a lot of balls).

Really depends for me, so many factors. If it hits a tree or cart path on the 1st hole I'm done with it. Some balls make it a long time without needing to be replace for whatever reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by achadha7 

That is my ball after 2 rounds of 18 holes each. Would u change ?

Hell no!  That sounds like a lucky ball to me if it's lasted that long.

This is just a problem that does not apply to me as I will almost always lose a ball before it becomes unplayable.  On the occasions when a ball lasts awhile (usually only when I play a course with lots parallel holes and little water) I will only stop using it once it's got a few bad scuff marks from trees or cart paths.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCfanatic35 

I was wondering if you need to alert your playing partners when changing out a ball in tournaments? Just as a courtesy and so that if the number on the ball has changed people will know it and not think you are trying to pull a fast one if searching for a ball.

I don't think you have to ... but you'd be kinda dumb not to.  They know what you were playing on the first tee, so why keep that information to yourself later if you change?  If you don't tell them, you're only inviting more possible problems or conflicts.

In tournaments like sectionals and AJGA I switch every 3 holes rotating between three balls. I keep the same if I'm playing good though like bird-par-bird. I just use 1 if I play by myself or friends.

Quote:

Originally Posted by achadha7 

That is my ball after 2 rounds of 18 holes each. Would u change ?

You played it so long that it changed color!  

All things being equal I change the ball after every round. Old balls are used for practice.

I'll change the ball when it just plain misbehaves.  If I'm playing well and the it remains in good condition I'll play it for a full round.

I never replace, they decide to leave me when it is time.

The longest I have had one last was 46 holes - it pissed me off because it was lost in the rough right off of the fairway.

I know none of us are ever going pro or going to be on the PGA Tour.  But does anyone know how often Tour players change there balls in a round.  I know they don't have to pay for balls because of sponsors, but do they go 3 holes, 9 or a full round? Do they have a limit of how many balls they can carry in a bag?

If I was a tour player, I would change every hole so that I know my ball was in new condition every hole and that It didn't have any scuff marks or anything wrong with it after playing a hole.