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Rule 20.1c(3)

Playing two balls

Also searched as: second ball in stroke play, two balls, completing the hole with two balls, unsure of procedure

Until 2019: doubt as to procedure

If you are unsure what the Rules require in stroke play, you play a second ball and let the Committee decide which ball counts.

An example: you are not sure whether your ball lies in ground under repair. You announce that the ball with relief should count, play the original ball as it lies and drop a second ball with relief. After the round you report the facts, and the Committee decides.

If you forget to say which ball should count, the ball played first is automatically treated as the chosen ball. Everything that would apply to an announced ball then applies to it.

Rule 20.1c(4) says which ball counts: the chosen ball counts if the Rules allow the procedure used for it. If not, the other ball counts, provided its procedure is allowed. If the Rules allow neither, the chosen ball counts, unless you played it from a wrong place with a serious breach. Strokes and penalties with the ball that does not count are left out.

If you have already made a stroke before deciding to play a second ball, the Rule no longer applies. The ball you played before counts. But the second ball costs you no penalty.

Playing two balls is not the same as a provisional ball. You play that one when your ball might be lost or out of bounds. Playing two balls helps when you do not know which procedure is right.

Step by step

  1. 1Decide before your next stroke. You must put the second ball into play after the uncertain situation arises and before you make a stroke.
  2. 2Announce which ball should count. Tell your marker or another player. Without a choice, the ball played first is treated as the chosen ball.
  3. 3Complete the hole with both. Play the hole out with both balls and note both scores.
  4. 4Report before returning your scorecard. Even if both balls give the same score. Otherwise you are disqualified.