# Cracked Golf Ball Rule Explained

> How to replace a cracked golf ball without penalty.
- Title: Cracked Golf Ball Rule Explained · Nationalclubgolfer
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: golf, rules, cracked ball, replacement, golf ball, Nationalclubgolfer
- Source: Nationalclubgolfer — https://nationalclubgolfer.com/rules/my-golf-ball-is-cracked-can-i-replace-it
- Author: Steve Carroll
- Published: 2026-10-27T03:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: golf, rules, cracked ball, replacement, golf ball, sports
## 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
## Key takeaway

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.