Rules Question

[mont86]

After your ball is one the green can I swap it with a new ball for putting purposes?

[SiberianDVM]

Only if it is "damaged". And in comps, it must be the same brand and model ball.

Unless you are Rockford, then you can use any ball as long as it's pink.

[ManchesterGolfer]

Another one;- If it's bee raining heavily and your ball plugs are you allowed to take relief

1). if it's plugged on the fairway/fringe.
2). if it's plugged in semi rough or rough.

Summer conditions by the way. Also if relief is allowed what form is it? Lift clean and drop or just roll the ball out of the plug?

[MCDavis]

I know Sib is correct, but I can't find a rule that addresses this issue...at least, not on a quick look through.

[MCDavis]

Originally Posted by ManchesterGolfer

Another one;- If it's bee raining heavily and your ball plugs are you allowed to take relief

1). if it's plugged on the fairway/fringe.
2). if it's plugged in semi rough or rough.

Summer conditions by the way. Also if relief is allowed what form is it? Lift clean and drop or just roll the ball out of the plug?

Rule 25-2 lets you lift, clean, and drop with no penalty in a closely mown area through the green. Closely mown = fairway height.

[SiberianDVM]

Originally Posted by MCDavis

I know Sib is correct, but I can't find a rule that addresses this issue...at least, not on a quick look through.

Rule 5-3. Ball unfit for play
Rule 15-1. Substituted ball

[MCDavis]

15-1 was what I was remembering...thanks, Sib.

[mont86]

So unless it is damaged it can't be swapped out for the purpose of putting only.

What would be a reason to substitute a ball?

[MCDavis]

The ball being unfit for play or lost would be the only 2, I would think.

[SilverUberXeno]

I would imagine if your ball got cut up from a wedge shot, or scuffed off a tree or something...

You looking to his a distance ball off the tee then switch to a softer one on the green or something?

[SiberianDVM]

Damage has to be a cut or a crack. A scuff or discoloration is not sufficient.

[WildCatGolfer17]

I disagree on the last one... If the scuff is bad, lets say cart path then I would allow but if the paint is moved a tiny bit no big deal, but I do believe if it ios scraped then u can declare it unplayable

[sidewinder]

Originally Posted by WildCatGolfer17

I disagree on the last one... If the scuff is bad, lets say cart path then I would allow but if the paint is moved a tiny bit no big deal, but I do believe if it ios scraped then u can declare it unplayable

Read rule 5-3 and you will see that you are incorrect. Here is the part of the rule that applies:

"A ball is unfit for play if it is visibly cut, cracked or out of shape. A ball is not unfit for play solely because mud or other materials adhere to it, its surface is scratched or scraped or its paint is damaged or discolored."

S-

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by mont86

After your ball is one the green can I swap it with a new ball for putting purposes?

The short answer - No, you can't change it just because you want to putt with a different ball. It can only be substituted for during the play of a hole if it is damaged or lost or allowed under another Rule. Rule 15 covers this question:

15-1 General

A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground unless the ball is lost, 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.
15-2 Substituted Ball

A player may substitute a ball when proceeding under a Rule that permits the player to play, drop or place another ball in completing the play of a hole. The substituted ball becomes the ball in play.
If a player substitutes a ball when not permitted to do so under the Rules, that substituted ball is not a wrong ball; it becomes the ball in play. If the mistake is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6 and the player makes a stroke at a wrongly substituted ball, he incurs the penalty prescribed by the applicable Rule and in stroke play, must play out the hole with the substituted ball.
(Playing from wrong place — see Rule 20-7.)

Times when you can substitute without penalty: If a ball is damaged under the definition of damage in the rules; if the ball is lost or out of bounds; if you are taking relief under an applicable rule. If it is allowed it will be stated in that rule that a ball can be substituted when following that particular procedure.

And to Siberian DVM: When substitution is allowed, a player does NOT have to play the same brand... unless the competition committee has declared that to be a condition of the competition. The one ball condition is generally only applied in high level competitions. I've never yet seen it at the club level... for most average handicappers, the ball type doesn't make enough difference to be worth the hassle of managing the policy.

[JamesR]

My uncle always carries an old Ping "Split Color" ball just for putting. It helps him line up his putts