Some golf balls are better suited for distance, while other softer balls are designed for improved feel on the greens.
So, if you use a ball intended for distance off the tee and for the approach shots, can you putt with a different ball?
In this article, you’ll learn whether it’s within the rules to putt with a different ball, or if you have to finish the hole with the same golf ball.
Can You Putt With a Different Ball?
You can’t putt with a different ball on the putting green. When you mark and lift your golf ball, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole. However, you can change your ball at the start of a new hole, or when taking free or penalty relief.
Is It Legal to Putt With a Different Ball?
According to USGA Rule 14.2, you can’t putt with a different ball. When you mark and lift your ball on the putting green, you must replace that same ball to finish out the hole.
This rule is otherwise referred to as the one-ball rule.
However, the USGA states that there are a couple of scenarios where you can legally substitute your ball during a round of golf. Your ball may be replaced when:
- You cannot recover your ball with reasonable effort
- Your ball is cut or cracked
- Your ball was played by another player
- You take free or penalty relief
Your ball can also be changed at the tee box when starting a new hole.
Why Would You Putt With a Different Ball?
The reason golfers might wish to use a different ball on the greens is that some golf balls are softer than others. A soft ball provides a buttery feel for more control when putting.
For example, the Callaway Chrome Soft is an exceptionally soft golf ball that offers an excellent feel against the putter face.
However, as per the rules of golf, you must stick with one ball throughout the hole. Therefore, it’s important to find a ball that you’re comfortable using all over the course.
Instead of putting with a different ball, consider changing your putter to a version that feels comfortable with other golf balls – the putter face has a large impact on feel.
Do Pro Golfers Putt With a Different Ball?
As professional golf tournaments are strictly governed by the rules of golf, pro golfers can’t putt with a different ball.
Instead, pros choose golf balls that are best suited for their game. Long hitters might decide to optimize distance by choosing a golf ball designed for distance, while short-game specialists can opt for a softer ball with better feel around the greens.
However, most premium golf balls like the Titleist Pro V1 will perform to a high degree all over the course. Premium balls often perform well in every department, with good distance and spin control, and a desirable soft feel for putting.
Do Pro Golfers Use a New Ball on Every Hole?
Pro golfers could go several rounds without losing a golf ball. But, do they use a new ball on every hole they play?
Chance Driscoll has caddied for several tour pros, including Justin Thomas, and shared that some pros choose to replace their ball after hitting a few full-swing wedge shots.
Pros tend to use clubs with sharp grooves to generate more spin, which can cut the ball slightly with each shot. Additionally, pros usually hit steeply on the ball with high club head speed, which increases the risk of damaging the ball.
So, based on this information we can infer that most pro golfers change ball every few holes, rather than a new ball on every hole.
Can You Clean Your Golf Ball on the Green?
Yes, according to USGA Rule 14.1: when you mark and lift your ball from the putting green it may always be cleaned.
Your caddie is also permitted to lift your ball on the putting green without authorization.
While cleaning is always permitted on the green, there are different rules for other areas of the course. When you lift your ball from any other position on the course, it may be cleaned except for when you lift it:
- To check if it’s cut or cracked – cleaning is not allowed
- To identify it – cleaning is only allowed as required to identify it
- When it interferes with play – cleaning is not allowed
- To check if it lies in a relief spot – cleaning is not allowed
If you clean a ball when not allowed, you get one penalty stroke!
How Do You Mark a Golf Ball on the Green?
Many golfers choose to mark their golf ball as a habit when on the putting surface. However, it is actually an essential process under tournament conditions.
If your playing partner’s ball makes contact with yours, they will suffer a two-stroke penalty. So, marking your ball is considered good etiquette.
To mark your ball, the steps are simple:
- Place your marker next to the ball
- Lift the ball, cleaning it if necessary
- Return the marker to the original spot
- Replace the ball, lining it up as you wish
If your ball marker is in your playing partner’s line, use your putter as a guide to move the marker left or right of the original spot. The video below demonstrates this:
Conclusion
To summarise, you can’t putt with a different ball on the green.
However, you are permitted to change your golf ball when:
- You cannot recover your ball with reasonable effort
- Your ball is cut or cracked
- Your ball was played by another player
- You take free or penalty relief
Ultimately, you should aim to feel comfortable using the same ball throughout the whole course. But, when playing casually you can choose to stray from this rule!
