Playing 2 BALLS in Stroke Play When Uncertain About a Rule

Опубликовано: 14 Март 2026
на канале: Jay Roberts Golf
9,041
213

When you are uncertain about a Rule, the Rules permit you to play two balls. But this is only allowed in Stroke Play. Playing two balls in stroke play when you're uncertain about a rule is a great way to protect your scorecard. But, there are 3 important things you must do to use the Rule correctly. Golf rules explained.

🔴 SUBSCRIBE TO LEARN MORE GOLF RULES:    / @jayrobertsgolf  

🎓 LEARN MORE GOLF RULES 👇:
⛳️ How to get a LEGAL MULLIGAN in golf:    • How to Get a Legal Mulligan in Golf Using ...  
⛳️ This is How You Can Practice DURING a Round:    • This is How You Can Practice DURING Your R...  
⛳️ Are You Allowed to Practice on the Course BEFORE a Round?:    • What Practice is Allowed on the Course BEF...  
⛳️ Golf Cart Runs Over Ball. Ruling??:    • A Golf Cart Ran Over My Golf Ball | What i...  
⛳️ When is a Ball HOLED in golf?:    • When is a Ball HOLED in Golf? Golf Rules E...  

📖 RULE 20.1c(3): Playing Two Balls When Uncertain What to Do.
A player who is uncertain about the right procedure while playing a hole may complete the hole with two balls without penalty:

-- The player must decide to play two balls after the uncertain situation arises and before making a stroke.
-- The player should choose which ball will count if the Rules allow the procedure used for that ball, by announcing that choice to his or her marker or to another player before making a stroke.
-- If the player does not choose in time, the ball played first is treated as the ball chosen by default.
-- The player must report the facts of the situation to the Committee before returning the scorecard, even if the player scores the same with both balls. The player is disqualified if he or she fails to do so.

If the player made a stroke before deciding to play a second ball:

-- This Rule does not apply at all and the score that counts is the score with the ball played before the player decided to play the second ball.
-- But the player gets no penalty for playing the second ball.

A second ball played under this Rule is not the same as a provisional ball under Rule 18.3.