Golf Rules... 'Knowledge is Power' ⑦ One Ball Play

Use the same manufacturer and model as in official competitions
Local rule: disqualification if the prepared ball drops
Amateurs may use various products, but no switching between holes allowed

Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by following the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If well understood and properly used, they can greatly aid in score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.

Last week, an absurd incident occurred at the Korean Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Korean Tour LX Championship. Defending champion Seo Yoseop was disqualified during the second round of the tournament because he ran out of balls and could not continue playing. On the 18th hole (par 5), after hitting three tee shots out of bounds (OB), he exhausted all the balls he had prepared and could not continue the round. Seo said, "There were so many OBs that I couldn't continue playing."

There is a kind of local rule in golf tournaments. The golf rules stipulate that players must use balls of the same model from the same manufacturer during play. This is called the One Ball Play Rule. If you run out of balls, you can borrow from a playing partner or have someone bring more, but you must not delay the game during this process. Failure to obtain a ball results in disqualification.

According to golf rule 6.2a, any ball that meets the specifications can be used. Amateurs may use balls from different companies without issue. However, while you can change balls, it is not allowed between holes. This means you must finish the hole with the ball you tee-shot. If you change the ball incorrectly or when the rules do not permit a change and then make a stroke, you will be penalized.

Of course, there are cases when a ball is changed during hole play. If the tee-shot ball goes out of bounds or into a water hazard, you must take out a new ball. It also happens when the ball cannot be found, which is called a lost ball. If the ball falls on a cart path and breaks, you can replace the golf ball without penalty.