What is the rule for switching out a ball?

Question

Is it legal to switch to a different ball (same brand) when you putt?

Is it legal to switch to a different ball (different brand) when you putt?

Is it legal to switch to a different ball (same brand) at every hole to tee off with?

Is it legal to switch brands in the middle of a round?

And anymore switch ball questions would be nice.

Answer 1

What Frank said is correct. Some more:

- The stuff about using the same brand of ball only applies at the highest level of tournaments -- usually just pros. The USGA rules say that a tournament committee can make a 'single ball' rule, but they recommend it only for expert golfers.

- If you hit your ball out of bounds or lose it, you can use a new ball on your next shot.

- If you hit your shot into a water hazard, you can use a new ball on your drop -- even if you can retrieve your first ball out of the hazard.

- If a dog (or a crocodile, or some moron from another foursome) runs onto the course and steals your ball and you can't find the first one, you can use a new ball. (But you have to have good evidence that it happened!)

- If your ball rolls into a snake pit, and you would be risking harm to try to retrieve it, you can use a new ball (and get a free drop).

Answer 2

Cant switch balls at all while playing a hole, unless like the others have said, damaged ball, or lost ball.

In normal local events you can play with any brand ball, yes you can change with each hole.

Although on the PGA events, what ever brand ball and also compression ball you tee off the first hole with you have too use through-out the tourny. Say you open your round and tee off with Titleist PROV1 90, you loose or damage that ball, you must replace it with that same ball (can be different number thou).

Switch Ball question: Ambrose question, 4 people tee off, the best ball is taken (cant be changed), can the other 3 players change their ball before they proceed to play?

Answer 3

First 2 Qs: You're not allowed to change your ball between tee off and holing in, except when your ball is damaged. You have to show your opponent the damage and let him/her know that you take a new ball. No penalty.

3rd and 4th Q: You are allowed to change your ball after every hole if you want, irregardless of condition or brand used before. Again, let you opponent know that you changed it, and don't forget to put your identification mark on it.

On a side note, if you are a touring pro endorsing a particular brand you are likely not allowed to play with a ball of a different brand.

Answer 4

No. (except if visiblely damaged and after consultation with your fellow competitor or marker.)
No. (as above)
Yes.
Yes.(unless you are playing in P.G.A. tournaments.
You have already had good examples.