Forum > Rules and Etiquette

Russell Middleton

I was thinking about keeping my golf ball warm now that the temperature is getting lower.

Normally, between the green and my next shot I will keep my golf ball in the palm of my hand, and also in my pocket.  Hopefully this will keep the ball warm enough for it to perform normally.

Then I thought about getting one of those pocket hand warmers and keeping a golf ball in there.  Then having two golf balls, and using each one for one hole and then change it for the warm one, whilst putting the used ball in the hand warmer.

Taking this to it's extreme, I could, now that the winter rules are with us, change the ball for each shot.

At the moment I'm using Pro V1x golf balls.

I know that in a competition you have to use the same golf ball for the entire round, but is there a rule that would prevent me from changing my golf ball for a warm one, of the same make, after each shot?

Russ

John Pettitt

I know that in a competition you have to use the same golf ball for the entire round, but is there a rule that would prevent me from changing my golf ball for a warm one, of the same make, after each shot?

What happens when you lose a ball, Russ, giue up the round entirely. Of course not.

It is perfectly legal to have another ball in your pocket, keeping warm and using it on the next hole. Of course you notify your playing partners of the change of ball.

A ball can also be changed at any time if you deem it is in such a poor condition etc but the ball cannot be used again during that round.

Patrick Bourke

Chris Perry

John Pettitt

John Flood

So effectively you could use up to 36 balls in a round by deeming your 1st ball off the tee unfit & replace it with another one for your 2nd shot.

John Pettitt

Interesting that one, John, but one usually shows the ball to ones playing partners pointing out how the ball has become unfit. As I also said, once deemed unfit for play then it can no longer be used in that round, so working on  your theory one would need to carry a lot of balls. Are you up to it?

In the old days it was a common occurrence when one hit a balata a bit thin then it puckered up like mad.

Wayne Santorini

David Homer

Colin Stevens

Its illegal;

14-3/13.5 Golf Ball Artificially Warmed

Q. Is the use of a golf ball that was purposely warmed during a stipulated round with a golf ball warmer, hand warmer or any such device a breach of Rule 14-3?

A. Yes. Use of a ball that has been purposely warmed during a stipulated round with an artificial device constitutes a breach of Rule 14-3. However, it would not be a breach of Rule 14-3 to use a ball that was artificially warmed prior to the stipulated round. (Revised)

John Pettitt

Wayne Santorini

David Ferris

Russell Middleton

Moving on from this subject, here's another question.....

Could I keep a spare ball in my pocket and use it just for putting?

The last three rounds I've played my ball is covered in dirt by the time I get to the green.  So I wipe it with my towel but the dirt is still there and it could affect the way my ball rolls.

So my idea is to keep a clean ball in my pocket and then when I mark my first ball on the green I replace it with my clean ball to putt out with.  Then back on the next tee out comes the dirty ball....

I'm certain I know the answer but what do you think?

Russ

John Pettitt

Russell Middleton

Yes John, I know the answer..... 

I do think I will have to get one of those ball cleaners that I can hang from my bag.

Russ

Wayne Santorini

Clearly your not cleaning your ball properly if the dirt is still there Russ,

I carry a small towel in my left pocket,(size of a face flannel) that TG gave away in one of their issues some years ago. Perfect for the job especially when the ball is on the green and you don't want to walk back to your bag for the larger towel.

Steve Cowle

This time of year I ususlly take one or two clubs more depending on how much of my own breathe I can see.

With regards to cleaning your balls just make sure you don't lick them, although my dog seems to enjoy it!

Wayne Santorini

Paul Everett

Wayne Santorini

Tim Hawkins

OK, haven't got much on a the moment so have just tried an experiment.

Have kept a Srixon AD333 in my pocket for the last hour or so, it's nice and warm.  I placed another in the freezer.  I then drop tested both of them on my old ball noise signature plate (old thread - some might remember it) and guess what?  The cold ball rebounded about 50mm higher!  This is obviously because it's slightly harder with a more efficient transfer of energy off the hard plate.  Therefore a cold ball will, in fact go further but will be a lot less receptive to spin.  So what you need to do Russ is to adjust the temperature of the ball according to the distance of the shot....... 

Darren Ramowski

Top tip Steve

This time of year I ususlly take one or two clubs more depending on how much of my own breathe I can see.

Wayne Santorini

Jonny P

OK, haven't got much on a the moment so have just tried an experiment.

Have kept a Srixon AD333 in my pocket for the last hour or so, it's nice and warm.  I placed another in the freezer.  I then drop tested both of them on my old ball noise signature plate (old thread - some might remember it) and guess what?  The cold ball rebounded about 50mm higher!  This is obviously because it's slightly harder with a more efficient transfer of energy off the hard plate.  Therefore a cold ball will, in fact go further but will be a lot less receptive to spin.  So what you need to do Russ is to adjust the temperature of the ball according to the distance of the shot.......

Is the difference in hardness found above more of less than the difference in hardness between a premium soft ball, and a cheap distance ball I wonder?

A few guys I have played with in the past use hard balls for Par 5s and soft ones for par 3's and short par 4s.

Tim Hawkins

Patrick Bourke

Dave ley

Wayne Santorini

John Pettitt

Jonny P

John Flood

A few guys I have played with in the past use hard balls for Par 5s and soft ones for par 3's and short par 4s.

Why isn't this allowed? As long as you play the hole out with the same ball where's the rules being broke.

I agree with Dave, it's morally wrong but I'm sure I heard a story about Monty once where he played a new ball on every hole.

Surely if your in a medal or comp & before you tee off you declare what ball your playing with your within the rules? I may be wrong & there maybe a case where you can't reuse the same ball (I know that is true if you declare it unplayable).

Wouldn't this be the same with people swapping to a 'wet' glove when it rains & then back to their normal glove when it stops?

** You beat me to it Jonny **

Jonny P

John Flood

But that being said, I take no offence if someone was to swap balls mind round.

OUCH!!!

Dave ley