My golf ball is cracked – can I exchange it?

Any of you previous enough to keep in mind the balata? I was just beginning out in the sport when they were the final. They were what the stars used in my eyes. Everything else appeared like concrete.

When you discovered one – and as sprogs you had to discover one because you could not afford to buy them – you treasured it. That ball came out on particular events. But it wasn’t just because it was premium.

Advertisement

It was because hackers like me used to slice them up like a knife cutting through a tomato. A giant mishit and that was it. They felt like butter if you pured it but catch one of those balls with the vanguard and they’d crack like an egg.

Today’s balls are mainly indestructible in comparability. I learn a story just lately about someone who performed eight rounds with a single ball before it finally gave manner during the ninth outing.

But though it may be rarer, there are still events when a ball becomes cut or cracked. And the guidelines do cater for this. So what do you do if this occurs to you? It’s all revealed in Rule 4, so let’s take a look…

Cracked golf ball guidelines: What occurs if your ball becomes cut or cracked during a gap?

You can carry your ball to see if it is cut or cracked, so long as you moderately believe it has occurred during the gap being performed. You must mark the spot of the ball first – you’ll get a one-stroke penalty if you do not – and do not clean the ball unless you’re on the inexperienced.

Advertisement

Rule 4.2c (2) says you can substitute a ball “only if it can be clearly seen that the original ball is cut or cracked and this damage happened during the hole being played”.

That’s a essential level. Scratched, scraped, discoloured or broken paint is not enough. It has to be cut or cracked. If it would not meet the standards, you must exchange the ball on its authentic spot.

If you go forward and substitute a totally different ball regardless, and then make a stroke, you’ll get a one-shot penalty under Rule 6.3b.

Got a query for our knowledgeable?

Despite the modifications to the Rules of Golf in 2019 and 2023, there are still some that depart us scratching our heads. I’ll strive to help by that includes the best of your queries in this column.

Advertisement

What do you think of this rule about cracked golf balls? Let me know by leaving a remark below, e mail me at s.carroll@nationalclubgolfer.com or get in contact on X.

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE RULES OF GOLF

NOW READ: My ball EXPLODED after a shot – what do the Rules say?

NOW READ: What is the one ball rule in golf?

The post My golf ball is cracked – can I exchange it? appeared first on National Club Golfer.