Golf rules: Understanding the one-ball rule
The One-Ball Rule is a local regulation (G-4) that the competition committee can adopt to enhance the level of play in a tournament or tournament series.
Currently, the One-Ball Rule is being used in all top professional golf tours worldwide (PGA Tour, European Tour, Asian Tour, etc.) and in high-level amateur tournaments.
The One-Ball Rule stipulates that: Throughout the round, a player must use only one type of ball (a ball that is included in the R&A's most current conforming ball list).
For example, if a player tees off at the beginning of a round with a white Titleist AVX ball, they must use that exact same ball throughout the entire round and cannot switch to a different ball, such as a Taylormade TP5x, Titleist ProV1, or ProV1x.
Golfers can check the conformity information of their equipment on the website below:
Golf balls are categorized based on the following criteria:
- Manufacturer: Taylormade, Titleist, Bridgestone, etc.
- Model: TP5, TP5x, ProV1, ProV1x, Tour B X, Tour B RX, etc.
- Color: White, yellow, etc.
- Ball markings: This includes Pole1, Pole2, Seam1, and Seam2 markings. In simpler terms, these are the printed markings on the ball, such as the manufacturer's name, ball model (e.g., Taylormade TP5x), and the arrows on either side. These markings are crucial for distinguishing between different balls, as manufacturers often introduce new versions of the same model with updated markings. For instance, the two Titleist ProV1 balls in the image are distinct models (note the different shapes and colors of the arrows on either side of the "ProV1" text).
Each unique combination of these four characteristics represents a distinct ball model and is listed separately on the R&A or USGA conforming ball list. Before a tournament, golfers should verify that all balls in their possession are of the same model and in sufficient quantity for the entire event.
What if a player runs out of golf balls during a round with the One-Ball Rule in effect? A golfer has the following options:
- Borrow a ball of the same type from a fellow player or anyone else on the course.
- Purchase a replacement ball of the same type from the pro shop.
- Discontinue play and accept disqualification from the tournament.
When opting for options (1) or (2) above, players must ensure that the game is not unduly delayed. Any unreasonable delay may result in a penalty under Rule 5.6.
A famous example of the One-Ball Rule in action occurred during the second round of the 2000 US Open when Tiger Woods found himself with only one ball remaining after the 18th hole. Woods went on to win the tournament by a record 15 strokes, but his victory could have been jeopardized had he lost his final ball before completing the hole. More recently, golfer Clement Berardo was disqualified from the Andalucia-Costa del Sol Match Play 9, a Challenge Tour event, due to running out of golf balls.
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A few notes on the One-Ball Rule:
- If, during a round, a player drops, places or tees a ball of a different type but has not yet struck the ball, the player may correct their mistake by discontinuing use of that ball without penalty under Rule 14.5. The player must then drop, place or tee a ball of the same type as that with which they began the round.
- If a player discovers that they have been playing a ball of a different type in breach of this rule, they must discontinue use of that ball before the start of the next hole and must complete the round playing a ball of the same type as that with which they began the round; otherwise, the player will be disqualified.
- If a breach is discovered in the middle of a hole, the player may complete the hole playing the wrong ball or may substitute a correct ball and drop it at the spot occupied by the wrong ball.
- The One-Ball Rule applies to each round, so a player may change to a different ball for the next round. For example, a player may use a Bridgestone Tour B X in the first round and a Tour B RX in the second round. However, to simplify matters and avoid potential errors, it is advisable for players to use the same ball throughout the tournament, to register it with the Committee before the tournament and to reconfirm it before each round. If a ball change is necessary, the player should inform the Committee before the round.
- Penalty for playing a ball in breach of this local rule: the player incurs the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play) for each hole on which the local rule is breached.
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