what is the "one ball" rule in golf?

The One Ball Rule means basically what it implies, requiring a golfer must use the same golf ball -- same manufacturer and model -- throughout a stipulated tournament round. For example, if a golfer starts their round with a TaylorMade

TP5x golf ball, they have to use that ball throughout the round.

Full Answer

What is the one-ball rule in the PGA Tour?

Rule 15-1 states: "A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground ..." Here is the most relevant text from the rule book about the one-ball rule, which appears in Appendix I, Part B-2 (c): If it is desired to prohibit changing brands and models of golf balls during a stipulated round, the following condition is recommended:

What is a one ball condition in golf?

The "one ball condition" requires the player to use the exact same brand and type of ball throughout the round. For example, if you tee off the first hole with a Titleist Pro V1x, then that's what you must play throughout the round. You may not switch to any other brand of ball, nor even to any other type of Titleist ball.

Can you use different golf balls in the same round?

You started with the Pro V1x, so the Pro V1x is what you must use on every stroke. If the "one ball rule" is not in effect, however, golfers may swap out different types of golf balls at any point in a round of golf, so long as the change is made in-between holes rather than during the play of a hole.

What is the'one ball condition'in golf?

However, there is something in the Rules of Golf that says a tournament committee can impose such a rule. It's called the "one ball condition," perhaps more commonly known as the "one ball rule."

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Why is there a one ball rule in golf?

For example, if a golfer starts their round with a TaylorMade TP5x golf ball, they have to use that ball throughout the round. They can switch out golf balls as desired between holes or as required when balls are damaged or lost, but the golfer has to change one TaylorMade TP5x for another TaylorMade TP5x golf ball.

Do pro golfers use a new ball on each hole?

Professional golfers will change golf balls every five to six holes. The modern golf ball technology can last for quite some time as the materials used to make these golf balls are more durable and resistant to cuts.

What happens if a golfer runs out of balls?

If you happen to run out of balls, you can borrow one from any other player, including a practice or X-Out ball (which are generally conforming balls). If you play a wrong ball, you lose the hole in match play or get a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.

Can you change golf balls during a round?

If the "one ball rule" is not in effect, however, golfers may swap out different types of golf balls at any point in a round of golf, so long as the change is made in-between holes rather than during the play of a hole.

How many balls can a golfer carry?

nine golf ballsUnder the Rules of Golf, a golfer can carry as many golf balls as they want in their bag. Really, they can carry as many golf balls as they're willing to carry around themselves or their caddie is willing to lug around for them. Most PGA Tour golfers carry in the area of nine golf balls in their bag per round.

Why am I hitting my 3 wood farther than my driver?

Players who hit their 3- or 5-wood as far or longer than their driver are typically using too little loft with the driver for their clubhead speed. You know, it's a funny thing with the driver and its loft compared to the other clubs in the bag.

Can you change golf balls on the green?

Fortunately, under the Rules of Golf, golfers are allowed to change golf balls at various points during a round. Under normal conditions -- meaning the ball wasn't damaged beyond reasonable use, or it didn't wind up in a water hazard or was lost -- a golfer can change golf balls in between holes.

Does it count if the golf ball bounces out of the hole?

Basically, in the instance where a ball bounces out of the cup, the player has to count the putt as a stroke and continue their turn until they completely sink their ball into the cup. Essentially, a golf ball that bounces out of the cup is still in play, and is not counted as a 'holed ball'.

What color golf ball is easiest?

Simply put, yellow golf balls are a lot easier to see. This is especially true with the fluorescent or neon yellow hue found on many balls, including the Srixon Q-Star and Q-Star Tour.

Can you clean your golf ball on the fairway?

A golfer cannot clean their ball in any other situation, including when the ball is in the fairway, when the ball is in the rough, when the ball is in a bunker.

Can pro golfers use colored balls?

The PGA Tour has no rule preventing pro golfers from using a coloured golf ball. Pros are allowed to use any golf ball in any of the major professional golf tours provided it is on the 'List of Conforming Golf Balls' issued by golf's governing bodies, the USGA and R&A. Over 750 of the balls on the list are coloured.

Can you putt with a ball already in the hole?

A golfer shouldn't pluck their ball out of the hole until the ball has come to a rest or is certain not to bounce out, otherwise that would be a one-stroke penalty. The player then has to replace the ball on the lip of the hole or against the flagstick and then putt the ball in the hole.

What is the titleist pro V1x?

You may not switch to any other brand of ball, nor even to any other type of Titleist ball. You started with the Pro V1x, so the Pro V1x is what you must use on every stroke. If the "one ball rule" is not in effect, however, ...

What is the one ball rule?

As you probably know, all Tour events are played under the "one ball rule.". And any rules committee may adopt the "one ball rule" for its competitions. The "one ball condition" requires the player to use the exact same brand and type of ball throughout the round.

Can you switch to a different brand of golf ball on every hole?

There is nothing in the Rules of Golf that prevents a golfer from switching to a different brand of golf ball (i.e., from a Titleist to a Bridgestone) on every hole on the course - so long as the change is made between the play of holes rather than during the play of a given hole.

Can you swap golf balls?

If the "one ball rule" is not in effect, however, golfers may swap out different types of golf balls at any point in a round of golf, so long as the change is made in-between holes rather than during the play of a hole. Rule 15-1 states: "A player must hole out with the ball played from the teeing ground ...".

Who is Brent Kelley?

Brent Kelley. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. our editorial process. Brent Kelley. Updated April 21, 2018. Some golfers believe that it is "illegal" under the rules to change the make and model of golf ball you are playing during a round.

Have you ever heard someone mention the one ball rule in golf tournaments?

Well, as the name suggests, in some tournament competitions golfers are only permitted to use one type of ball for their entire round.

The One Ball Rule in Greater Detail

The One Ball Rule isn’t usually in effect when you’re playing at a local golf course with your friends.

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What happens if you run out of balls in golf?

If you happen to run out of balls, you can borrow one from any other player, including a practice or X-Out ball (which are generally conforming balls). If you play a wrong ball, you lose the hole in match play or get a two-stroke penalty in stroke play.

Can you use a different ball on putting green?

Generally, you will hole out with the same ball you play from the teeing area. You can always use a new ball when starting a hole. You can also substitute a different ball any time you are taking relief, including both free and penalty relief. Unless the one-ball Local Rule is in effect, the substituted ball could be any brand. On the putting green however, when you mark and lift your ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole .

WestCoastGolf

So I understand that if it applies, I can’t switch between a Callaway and a Titleist. Or from a Callaway Chrome Soft X to a Callaway Chrome Soft. But I’m confusing myself in trying to figure out if you could switch from Chrome Soft X to Chrome Soft X with Triple Track.

Shilgy

My understanding, and it could be incorrect, is that if it is on the conforming ball list separately it is a different ball. Same as the Pro V1 white and yellow are separate iirc.

Halebopp

The triple tracks seem to be separate entries so you can't switch from a regular one to a triple track. But you can switch from a normal yellow Chrome Soft to a yellow Truvis as long as they're otherwise the same version.

WestCoastGolf

Thanks all. I know I will probably NEVER come across this rule, but I still like to try to understand the different ones.

sui generis

Thanks all. I know I will probably NEVER come across this rule, but I still like to try to understand the different ones.

sui generis

Well I’ll be. Sometimes they have thought of everything…but now a follow up question, I get that Callaway has the regular and the TT listed separately on the conforming list; does that mean they are different golf balls? I always thought they were the same just one is blank and one has TT.

antip

Well I’ll be. Sometimes they have thought of everything…but now a follow up question, I get that Callaway has the regular and the TT listed separately on the conforming list; does that mean they are different golf balls? I always thought they were the same just one is blank and one has TT.

WhiteLightning

What is the rule, like how does it work.. I heard that you need to start and end the round with the same ball meaning same logos color and type...

bkuehn1952

The "One Ball Rule" is a Condition of Competition. Most low level amateur events do not employ this condition. Note that the brand and model must be the same. Logos, color and markings may vary.

Harmonious

Same brand and model. For example, if you star with a Titleist Pro V1, all the balls you put in play must be Pro V1's. No NXT's or Pro V1x's. No Nikes, Callaways, etc. Unless you are playing in higer level tournaments, you would probably never have to worry about it.

WhiteLightning

Thanks that is what I thought about it... A rule that is not to worry so much about but also a very unknown one as well.

Rulesman

The "One Ball Rule" is a Condition of Competition. Most low level amateur events do not employ this condition. Note that the brand and model must be the same. Logos, color and markings may vary.

bkuehn1952

Good catch. I would not have expected a color to warrant a separate entry but clearly it does.

rogolf

And the one ball condition has, in my opinion, outlived its usefulness (if it ever had a purpose), and should never be used in any competition, let alone amateur competitions.