Rules question · Rule 20.1c(3) · Expert
Played a second ball but did not say which counts: what now?
In stroke play you are unsure how to proceed and play a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3). But you forget to say which ball you want to count. What is the ruling?
Answer
The ball played first is treated as the chosen ball
If you do not choose before your next stroke, the ball played first is treated as the chosen ball by default. The Committee still checks whether the Rules allow the procedure you used with it; if not, the other ball counts. You must still report the facts before returning your scorecard.