{"id":502127,"date":"2022-05-18T22:50:09","date_gmt":"2022-05-19T02:50:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/golfcartgo.com\/?p=502127"},"modified":"2023-09-13T07:37:53","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T11:37:53","slug":"use-a-different-golf-ball-when-putting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/golfcartgo.com\/use-a-different-golf-ball-when-putting\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Use a Different Golf Ball When Putting? (Explained!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

I was watching an amateur golf tournament and noticed that a golfer pocketed a ball once he reached the green and switched it with a golf ball with a line on it. I assumed it was completely legal to do, but it got me thinking: Can you use a different golf ball when putting?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, the USGA states that the golf ball you begin the hole with is the same one you need to complete the hole. This has been dubbed the “one ball rule<\/a>“.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just when you think you know all the rules of the game, you get a twist you did not expect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United States Golfing Association (USGA)<\/a> puts out a rule book about what you can and cannot do on the golf course, so let’s take a deeper look into when and when you cannot change your ball.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Golf
GOLF TIP: Aim the clubface first.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Are you allowed to switch balls on the green?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

On the putting green, you may not swap out the original ball you are using. It is a one-stroke penalty if you are caught using the wrong ball.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you make it to the putting green, you will mark your ball and lift it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it is your turn to take action and make the putt, you need to replace the same ball and remove the marker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You then need to finish out the hole. When you finish the hole and start a new hole, it is then that you can swap into a new ball if you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use a different ball when taking relief, inclusive of free and penalty relief. If the original ball is no longer \u201cfit\u201d to play, then it may be substituted with a new ball in the same location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why do so many people switch their balls on the green? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The thing that I realized is that they are not. They are simply marking them (I hope).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rule of thumb in golf is that you are supposed to play the original ball as it lies. That is exactly the case with balls on the green, which is why you cannot switch them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you use a different ball for putting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But you can mark your ball and replace it with green. You cannot switch it out for a different ball, though. There are exceptional circumstances, such as losing a ball, where you can put an extra ball in play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this is the only scenario where swapping a golf ball mid-hole is allowable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is it OK to pick up a ball to clean it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This one is iffy, as the USGA rules are insanely specific.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anytime you “lift” your ball, you are allowed to clean it unless you meet any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n