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After hitting the ball on the green, I was wondering if it is against the rules to replace the ball after it's been marked. Sometimes during the round, the ball can get scuffed up, so I like to putt with a smooth, clean ball. Or can I only replace it if the ball in unplayable?

I tried to look through the rules book, but with no luck.

Thanks.

I was wondering this too.

Don't have the rule book with me, but from what I can remember, in a stroke or match play situation you can replace a cut or damaged ball, but you have to show it to and get the permission of your opponent or an official.

This is basically correct. Here's the rule -

Ball Deemed Unfit for Play

You can't have a ball for ball striking and another for putting, though.

That's commonly referred to around here as "Two Balling" and it's against USGA rules. I know what you mean by not wanting to putt with a scuffed up ball so when I play practice rounds I use old ProV1's from tee to green and putt with a new ball. However, if I'm playing league play, or a match with my friends, I play with a new ball and I always putt with the same ball I teed off with. Rules are rules!

Thanks for clearing it up. I had a feeling that it was illegal. I like to play by the rules. I'm glad I asked.

Around here we call it "using a putt ball" which, as has been pointed out, isn't cricket. But I tell ya, throw three new ones and an old one down on the practice green and see which one goes in the most. :nodsmiley

Shade

"Ball deemed unfit" is a pretty tough rule to invoke these days considering the current compostions. The days of the smiling Titleist Balata are long gone.-Adam

Amen to that..........I have only ever broke one ball and I believe it was because I bladed it with a 58* wedge in 30 degree weather. I hate putting with damaged balls, it is probably just psychological ( I doubt a minor scuff really impeeds ball roll) but it still bothers me.