GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
If you are unsure how to proceed under a Rule in stroke play, can you play two balls?
Under the joint R&A/USGA 2023 Rules of Golf, a player may play two balls in stroke play when uncertain about the right procedure, but must decide after the uncertainty arises and before making another stroke. Announce which ball should count if the Rules allow that procedure, then report the facts to the Committee before returning the scorecard.
For Golfers in stroke play facing a genuine Rules uncertainty who want to preserve the Committee’s later decision. · Updated
This procedure is for stroke play
Rule 20.1c(3) lets a player who is uncertain about the right procedure during a hole complete the hole with two balls without penalty. It is not a general option to replay a choice after seeing the result, and a player in match play cannot use this two-ball procedure.
If a referee or the Committee is not available within a reasonable time, the player must decide what to do and play on rather than unreasonably delaying play.
Decide and announce before another stroke
After the uncertain situation arises, decide to play two balls before making a stroke. If you want one particular ball to count if the Rules allow the procedure used for it, tell your marker or another player which one before making a stroke. If you do not choose in time, the first ball played is treated as your choice by default.
If you already made a stroke before deciding to use two balls, Rule 20.1c(3) does not apply. The score with the ball played before that decision counts; there is no penalty simply for then playing a second ball.
The Committee decides which score counts
Complete the hole with both balls and report the facts to the Committee before returning your scorecard, even if both balls produce the same score. The Committee determines which score counts by checking whether the procedure used for each ball was allowed. Failure to report the facts before returning the card results in disqualification.
This second ball is not a provisional ball. A provisional ball follows Rule 18.3 and addresses a different situation.
A fictional relief-procedure question
During a fictional stroke-play hole, Morgan is unsure whether an immovable obstruction interferes with the ball. Before making another stroke, Morgan decides to play two balls and tells the marker which ball should count if its relief procedure is allowed. Morgan plays both balls, completes the hole, and reports the facts before returning the scorecard. The Committee then decides which procedure was valid and which score counts. If the Committee had not been reachable in a reasonable time, Morgan would decide how to proceed and play on.
Related questions
Can I use two balls in match play?
No. Rule 20.1c(3) is a stroke-play procedure. In match play, use the match-play ruling process in Rule 20.1b.
Is the second ball a provisional ball?
No. A provisional ball is played under Rule 18.3 for a different reason; a second ball under Rule 20.1c(3) protects a stroke-play player who is uncertain about the right procedure.