How many golf balls are you allowed to carry in your bag? There isn’t any specified number of golf balls for any round. However, as an avid golfer, we mostly recommend carrying nine balls per round.
According to golf rules, one can carry 14 golf clubs in their golf bag. One can even mix the golf clubs as they wish. But they have to be 14 golf clubs or less.
However, when it comes to the number of balls, the rules are unclear. According to the rules, you can carry all the golf balls you need.
Would you carry 100 golf balls in a single round? Well, that’s a question of logic and common sense.
You also don’t want to make your golf bag bulky.
Therefore, you strive to cut the overall weight down. In that case, you should strive to ensure that you carry a reasonable number of golf balls.
How many Golf Balls do Pros carry?
How many golf balls are you allowed to carry in your bag? We already know the answer for regular players. Although there isn’t a specific rule on the number of golf balls allowed for a round, most high-profile golfers appear to carry just nine balls. I do the same too.
Why nine balls? Why not 10 or 8 balls? We shall get the reasons as we delve further into the discussion.
Most golfers, or some golfers, prefer changing balls after several holes. Therefore, people don’t carry many golf balls because they fear they will lose some of them.
In fact, some players change their balls in a specific pattern. We have those who change after one hole, two holes, three holes, six holes and so on.
For such players, they need enough golf balls to change as they wish. Of course, another reason for carrying many balls is the possibility of losing some on the course. We don’t like to admit, but losing balls on the course is so real.
Of course, a ball could also be damaged. In that case, you will need to change it. However, that doesn’t happen quite often…but it happens!
Is there a rule for the nine balls?
Or is it just a trend? To me, I view it as an unwritten rule, something people have just learned on their own, perhaps something copied from upper-echelon players.
The catch in golf is not to run out of balls while playing. Of course, you won’t play without golf balls.
If you run out of balls while playing in a tournament, you are allowed to borrow. But, your opponents could also be out of balls. You don’t want to put yourself in such a situation.
What else do you do? You could rush to the pro shop to get some more golf balls. That is quite inconveniencing too. Of course, you could also use other means to get more balls. The point is simple; you can’t play without golf balls.
Of course, the time used to get the balls should inconvenience the other players. This way, you won’t have problems with the official.
One can’t borrow another player’s clubs. However, borrowing golf balls is permitted.
For that reason, you don’t really need to panic if you run out of golf balls.
But, you don’t want the inconveniences of running out of golf balls. Carry enough balls for your own comfort.
How about in a one-ball rule?
In a one-ball rule, the balls you get from another player must be of the same make as the one you were previously using. You can only borrow golf balls from a player using similar balls to yours.
Rules Governing the Golf Balls used in a Tournament
We know that there isn’t any regulation on the number of golf balls to be carried. However, that doesn’t mean people should carry 100 golf balls in their golf bag
Running out of golf balls could lead to disqualifications.
Even though there are no rules on the number of balls carried in a golf bag, there are conditions which determine the balls allowed in a tournament and those not allowed.
Ball Styles
There are restrictions on the styles and the brands allowed on the golf course. You can’t just grab any golf balls and use them in a tournament or when playing. There are rules on what is allowed and what is not permitted.
For instance, you are permitted to use one ball style in a single round. What does that mean? Well, this means that the ball you use to tee must be the same that you use to the last stroke.
What is the benefit of restricting golf ball styles?
Well, this could give some players an undue advantage over their competitors. Why is that? Well, using different ball styles could mean one using a specific style for specific distances then changing to suit different distances.
One could use a specific style when taking longer strikes, then change it when they need a short stroke. This could disadvantage the other players who use one ball all through the entire play.
Changing balls while in a mid-hole
Besides sticking to a single golf ball, a golfer must also stick to a single ball for all the strokes in a round. However, you can change the ball if it isn’t in a playable condition.
What happens when you change the ball illegally? Illegally here means without following protocol. In that case, you will be penalized.
The penalty meted on the player depends on various factors. For instance, it depends on whether you are playing a stroke play or a match play.
If the ball is damaged beyond its playable condition, you can change it. However, the damage must be assessed and proven to be worth a change. Otherwise, one will suffer the consequences of changing the ball.
Ball Composition
What is the permitted golf ball composition?
This is another consideration used to determine the most appropriate golf balls for use in a play. If the composition manipulates spin or flight distances, the ball is considered illegal for play.
Weight and size:
According to the golf rules, there is a specified weight and size of a golf ball. United States Golf Association (USGA) states that the ball must weigh no more than 1.62 ounces.
Why regulate weight?
Heavier balls have a better flight. Therefore, they go far compared to lighter models.
At the same time, a golf ball must not boast a diameter exceeding 1.68 inches. Why regulate the size? This is because getting a smaller ball into the hole is easier than getting a bigger one into the hole.
Therefore, these rules benefit the golfers and also regulate the play.
Ball Specs
All golf balls come from renowned manufacturers and it is tested before being released to the market. The initial velocity is determined in a controlled environment. Something else is the speed of the ball after impact.
There are legal limits for the speed of the ball on impact. If it exceeds the recommended limits, the ball is disqualified.
Carry, which is the distance the balls travel in the air, is also tested. The run which is the distance the ball travels after making contact with the ground is also measured.
Therefore, there are various specs that need to be tested before a ball is deemed legal for use in a golf competition.
How should a carry golf bag fit?
This is a rather tricky question. Someone asked and I decided to address it today.
Assuming I got their question correctly, a golf bag should just fit perfectly enough not to cause discomfort for the user.
Just ensure that it feels comfortable and rests perfectly over your shoulders.
How do you adjust your golf bag?
Well, here, you first place it over your shoulders. After that, adjust the straps and the bag’s position until you have even weight distribution.
With even weight distribution, you are assured of comfort and convenience.
In Conclusion
How many golf balls are you allowed to carry in your bag? If you had this question, you now have the answer. There isn’t any regulation.
However, some conditions determine which golf balls are legal and which ones are illegal. Always ensure that you adhere to the regulations to avoid disqualification and penalties.
Leave me a comment or question you’d like to see answered in the next guide.
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Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Paul Roger Steinberg