From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 50s
Cracked Golf Ball Rule Explained
How to replace a cracked golf ball without penalty.
In brief
How to replace a cracked golf ball without penalty. If your golf ball cracks during play, you can replace it with a new ball without penalty as long as the damage occurred during the hole. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Old Balata Balls
Balata golf balls were prized by beginners in the past for their soft feel and durability.
Modern Golf Balls
Today's golf balls are much more durable and rarely crack during play.
Cracked Ball Rule
You can replace a cracked golf ball if the damage occurred during the hole being played.
“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"”
Penalty for Wrong Action
Using a new ball without checking if damage occurred during the hole results in a one-stroke penalty.
“If you go ahead and substitute a different ball regardless, and then make a stroke, you’ll get a one-shot penalty under Rule 6.3b”
The main idea
If your golf ball cracks during play, you can replace it with a new ball without penalty as long as the damage occurred during the hole.
