Ball changing

[michaeljames92]

what are the rules on changing a ball after a hole? i have been told that u can change it after a hole if you tell your playing partners. could you in theory, use a distance ball on say a par 5 and change to a high spinning ball for a par 3?
what are your opinions?

[Dent]

I think inbetween holes you are allowed to change your ball. Not completely sure though. Its really more of a guess.

[klaymon]

All I could find in the rule book (that does not deal with lost ball/hazards/etc.):

A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing
ground unless the ball is lost or out of bounds or the player substitutes
another ball, whether or not substitution is permitted (see
Rule 15-2). If a player plays a wrong ball, see Rule 15-3.

I'm sure you can change balls between holes and notification is not required.

[RX Phoenix]

the answer is . . .
Unless the club committee specifically prohibits it in their tournament then any player can change balls after holing out. There is no rule prohibiting changing balls in between holes, so yes, you can use a high spinning ball for a certain hole, or a low trajectory ball for another etc.

[hawkeye]

didn't Paul Azinger do that at the Ryder Cup? Low compression into the wind, high compression downwind? (or opposite!)

Seve then said "so that's how we're going to play...."

[michaeljames92]

ok thanks guys. always looking to improve my scoring!

[golfchief]

I Think the pro's must use the same type of ball through the whole 18 holes including the number on the ball. So the option of changing balls for a different compression is not availiable to them. Yes they can change balls on each new tee if they want.

[FortAsel]

If the ball is broken, you can change it before the next stroke. If the ball isn't broken, you are only allowed to change balls between holes

[Bignose]

golfchief touched on it here, though he missed on major stipulation. It is in tournament play where the committee has instituted a "one ball" rule. That isn't a specific one ball, but you are supposed to play only your specific brand. That is, if start with a ProV1x, you have to play all the holes with a ProV1x.

Completely formally, this is only for tournament play and only when the committe has instituted that specific rule.

But, the real question to me is, why would you intentionally change up the parameters of your game during a rounds? Why play a distance ball on par 5s... do you never need short game spin on a par 5? Don't you need to spin on the apprach shot, or chipping? I personally like the know that at least the ball is consistent, because my swing surely isn't. I'd hate to sit there and think "now, did something I do make that ball fly lower or is it the ball I'm using on this hole?"

Lastly, while it is within the letter of the law, in that it's not expressedly forbidden, I think that changing balls between holes would be against the spirit of the law or the spirit of the game. I just think that you pick the ball that gives you the best overall advantage, and you live with it if it gives you a small disadvantage in a few situations. I suspect that changing balls is not going to save you anywhere near as many strokes as you think it will.

[MGP]

didn't Paul Azinger do that at the Ryder Cup? Low compression into the wind, high compression downwind? (or opposite!)

That's classic Seve. I could almost hear him saying... "I will play a beach stone with a little white paint on it if you like!"

[Shindig]

I Think the pro's must use the same type of ball through the whole 18 holes including the number on the ball. So the option of changing balls for a different compression is not availiable to them. Yes they can change balls on each new tee if they want.

I haven't heard the part about the number on it. In fact, I think I've heard it suggested to bring multiple numbers with you, so provisionals won't get confused for originals if you neglect to mark it.

[golf_junkie27]

You can replace the ball whenever you like, provided, that it is because of the following:

1) The ball is deemed unplayable. It is cut, cracked or out of shape. You must announce to your playing partners that you are doing so. They are allowed to inspect the ball, too. If it is deemed that the ball is playable, you must finish the hole. You cannot clean the ball.

2) You can replace the ball after each hole. Provided that you are playing with the same type of ball. ProV1, Nike Platinum, etc. They do not have to be the same number, just the same type. You do not have to announce this to your playing partners.

Additionally, if a ball breaks upon being struck, you get to replay the shot. There is no penalty and the original stroke does not count.

[Crafty]

For a round on any given day, you could switch balls between holes (although I don't know why you would).

However, during many tournaments the governing body of that tournament will enforce a "one ball rule". It states that the player must play one make and model of ball for the entire round.