Same Ball Scenario

[saevel25]

Let's say two golfers didn't identify their golf balls before teeing off. They both play the same ball, same number, no identifying marks on the ball to distinguish between the two. Let's say both of them hit it generally the same distance off the tee. So, you really can't claim one is noticeably longer than the other. It's a drivable par 4, and you have to crest this hill with your drive to run the ball onto the green. Both hit it on similar lines. One runs through to a bunker over the green, and the other stops about 20-Ft short of the bunker. Now both players are arguing about which ball is theirs. 

Does the rules of golf cover this situation? 

[iacas]

Did you look at the Rules before asking? Mostly just curious. What did you find?

Do you think this situation is similar to a player who hits a provisional that he can't distinguish from his original?

[saevel25]

9 minutes ago, iacas said:

Did you look at the Rules before asking? Mostly just curious. What did you find?

Do you think this situation is similar to a player who hits a provisional that he can't distinguish from his original?

Just looking some stuff up now. 

Well, I see where the similarities are there, but the biggest issue is that a provisional was not played. So, the ball can not be assumed to be or taken as the provisional. The only other thing I noticed was, since it can not be identified it is considered a lost ball. 

So, I guess the ruling would be that both of their balls are considered lost, even though they are found, ironic. They would have to go back to the tee and replay under stroke and distance penalty. 

[iacas]

11 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

Well, I see where the similarities are there, but the biggest issue is that a provisional was not played. So, the ball can not be assumed to be or taken as the provisional. The only other thing I noticed was, since it can not be identified it is considered a lost ball. 

So, I guess the ruling would be that both of their balls are considered lost, even though they are found, ironic. They would have to go back to the tee and replay under stroke and distance penalty. 

Yep.

[ChetlovesMer]

On 8/3/2025 at 3:24 PM, saevel25 said:

Just looking some stuff up now. 

Well, I see where the similarities are there, but the biggest issue is that a provisional was not played. So, the ball can not be assumed to be or taken as the provisional. The only other thing I noticed was, since it can not be identified it is considered a lost ball. 

So, I guess the ruling would be that both of their balls are considered lost, even though they are found, ironic. They would have to go back to the tee and replay under stroke and distance penalty. 

I love that you answered your own question. 👍👍

I'm glad you posted this, because it is a plausible scenario I never thought of before. 

[saevel25]

4 hours ago, ChetlovesMer said:

I love that you answered your own question. 👍👍

I'm glad you posted this, because it is a plausible scenario I never thought of before. 

I was watching a Fore Play Golf video of them playing Mammoth Dunes. They hit a shot with the landing area that is blind. It was a drivable par 4. One was on the green and another was in the bunker. They both played the exact same ball. They both played nearly an identical line where the balls would collect into the same area. Yea, they were like 15-FT apart. 

I was like, what is the actual ruling on this. With how mounded the fairway is, it is impossible to be virtually certain which one went into the bunker. 

[DaveP043]

19 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

I was watching a Fore Play Golf video of them playing Mammoth Dunes. They hit a shot with the landing area that is blind. It was a drivable par 4. One was on the green and another was in the bunker. They both played the exact same ball. They both played nearly an identical line where the balls would collect into the same area. Yea, they were like 15-FT apart. 

I was like, what is the actual ruling on this. With how mounded the fairway is, it is impossible to be virtually certain which one went into the bunker. 

Its good to remember that there might be a mark on a ball that could differentiate it from a different (nearly identical) ball.  A scuff mark, a little stain from a tree, ball type and number are part of it, but other characteristics could be used.  But clearly the best way is to put an identifying mark on it.