Equipment > Balls

• The same ball must be used for the entire round unless:
  • The player is between holes. 4.2c(2) and 6.3a
  • The ball has become cut or cracked (but not scuffed). 4.2c(2)
  • Play has stopped and is resumed. 5.7d(1)
  • The ball has been played by another player. 6.3c(2)
  • Another ball may be played under a Rule. 6.3b(1)
• Unless the "One-Ball Rule" is in effect, nothing in the Rules prevents a player from changing the make and/or model of the ball when substituting another ball.
• A ball may be cleaned when it lies on the putting green and when it has been lifted from anywhere on the course except: 14.1c  
  • To determine if it is damaged. 4.2c(1)
  • To identify the ball (May be cleaned only to the extent necessary for identification). 7.3
  • When it interferes with another player. 15.3b(2)
  • To see if relief is allowed (No penalty if relief is allowed). 16.4
• A player may borrow a ball from another player.
• It is advised, but not required for the player to put an identification mark on their ball. 6.3a
• When a ball breaks into pieces the player after a stroke must cancel the stroke and play another ball from where the last stroke was made. 4.2b
• A player must not make a stroke at a non-conforming ball. 4.2a(1)  
• A player must not make a stroke at a ball whose characteristics were delberately altered, such as heating or applying a substance (other than cleaning). 4.2a(2)