If you are playing in a tournament and you play with all the same type of golf balls are you allowed to change the ball while putting as long as it is the exact same ball with markings and number. I know you cannot change a ball during a hole unless you lose it, but what about this. Thank you for your responses

HELP?! - that's a really good question. I'm not sure I know the answer. Seems harmless enough, but my guess is there is a rule against it. Again- that's a GUESS.

USGA likes to keep things regulated.. so I bet its same ball.
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Kickntrue-
Duffing since 1993

I am almost 100% positive it is the same ball throughout the entire hole. You ask how would someone know?? I'm guessing they wouldn't but then again golf is a gentlemens game so you would have to live with yourself.

I'll try and get you the actual ruling tonight or tommorrow morning...

Rules 15-1 and 15-2 explain that the player must complete play of the hole with the ball with which he began the hole unless he is proceeding under a Rule that permits him to substitute a ball. The player may change balls between the play of two holes as well.

there you have it.. cannot be done no matter if the balls are the same.

Note that Rule 16-1b, the Rule that allows the player to lift his ball from the putting green, does not permit the player to substitute another ball; this precludes the player from substituting a ôputting ball.ö

A player who substitutes another ball when not permitted to do so incurs the general penalty (loss of hole in match play or a two stroke penalty in stroke play) under the applicable Rule.

I bought a sleeve of the Caesar dimpleless balls to putt with. A lot of guys in our Wednesday game have "putting balls". It was fine with everyone, that I was switching to a "putting ball" as long as I was making putts and getting points for the team, until I made a thirty footer for birdie and one of the guys ran to the hole to get the ball out, Saying " let me get that for you" " I don't want you to hurt yourself". Then all of a sudden it's Heeeyyyy what the heck is this? This is a cue ball, this isn't a golf ball, This isn't legal. So I tried to hit it off the tee to play it to the hole without switching. To say they don't go far is an understatement. They do putt extremely straight though. I'm going to keep one for a "putting ball". If anyone wants the other two, let me know.