Ruling.

[Atticus_Finch]

For all you rules afficianadoes.

Playing at Carnoustie, we often come across practice balls left over from The Open or The Dunhill Links. These are marked Prov1 / Prov1x and also have "PRACTICE" marked on the side.
I was told that these are non conforming and if discovered to have been playing one in a match, it would have to be forfeited. (the match)
I can't seem to find any mention of it in the rules, so I came to the place I would get a definitive answer, but that was shut so I came on here instead.

Anyone?

 

[stevek1969]

Al

Am sure i read in last months Golf Digest that you can use them, am sure there was an article on balls by an American asking that same question . Not 100% positive but will look tonight

 

[DCB]

Atticus

have a look at Rule 5 regarding the ball, if you have access to a Decisions book, check out 5-1/4 which would make a"practice" ball okay for normmal play as they tend to be conforming balls stamped with the word Practice.

Just depends how pedantic your committee are.

Hope thia helps.

 

[gjbike]

The only time you may not play Xball/practice ball is when there is a condition requiring use of a ball on the conforming list.so yes you can

 

[Wildrover]

I was told that the balls marked practice are perfect apart from printing errors with the logo etc. Lets face it the pros aren't going to practice with something that isn't going to give them accurate feedback.

 

[SammmeBee]

X out balls are not on the conforming list

In relation to the OP - PRACTICE Pro V1s or other balls are considered the same as any other ball with a logo or emblem on the side and perfectly acceptable....

If you think your committee will kick off because they don't understand the rules - just colour the word out with a marker pen.....

 

[gjbike]

X-OUT is the commom name used for a golf ball that a manufacture considers to be inperfect(usually for austhetic reasons only:for example,paint or printing errors and, therfore has crossed out the brand name. A "REFURBISHED" golf ball is second-hand that has been cleaned and stamped as"refurbished".
In the absence of strong evidence to suggest that an "x-out" or "refurbished" ball does not conform to the rules, it is permissible for such a ball to be used.
However in a competition where the committee has adopted the condition that the ball the player users must be on the list of conforming golf balls( see rule 5-1) such a ball may not be used even if the ball in question (without the x or refurbished stamp)does appear on the list .
in most cases practice balls are simply listed conforming golf balls that have been stamped practice (for example a ball with the golf clubs logo) such balls may be used even where the committee has adopted the condition that the ball the player used must be named on the list of conforming golf balls.

hope this helps
well that past on 15mins off to Hazel Grove Golf Club for a knock with Doh (rick) and vig (dave)

 

[mono217]

Hmmmmm this was an intresting article as I use some prov1s with practice stamped on the side.

 

[viscount17]

I pretty certain that both X-outs and Practice balls are non-conforming.
To be conforming a ball has to be marked exactly as stated in the description with no other than the players identifying marking.
So in any comp <u>not</u> requiring a conforming ball they should both be OK otherwise not.

 

[StuartD]

Think Viscount is right.

From the blurb on Online Golf about Pro V1 Practice balls

"The Titleist Pro V1 Practice Balls are a dozen brand new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls, which are the genuine article in every way, but for the "PRACTICE" stamp on the side. They are ideal for Pro V1 players looking for practice golf balls or balls for casual play, though they may not be permitted for use in all competition"

 

[DCB]

Off at a wee tangent here, but, a simple question for all to consider.

How many of you (other than low cat 1 players) have played in a competition where the committee have actually instigated Rule 33-1 and the necessary steps detailed in Appendix 1 PartC ?

ie when did you last play in a competition where there was a formal notice from the committee on display stating that "The ball the player plays must be named on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls issued by the R&A"

and

" During a stipulated round, the balls a player plays must be of the same brand and model as detailed by a single entry on the current List of Conforming Golf Balls."


In almost 30 years of playing club golf I have not yet played in either a club competition or a handicap open with those conditions stipulated.

 

[theeaglehunter]

Basically you are fine to play in a comp with a pro v1 practice, as this is not an x-out ball and has no physical defect affecting / altering performance. See below.

http://www.titleist.com/customerservice/afmviewfaq.asp?faqid=62475&bhcp=1

 

[Atticus_Finch]

Brilliant EH, Thanks for that.
I must have at leat 6 of them in my bag.

 

[viscount17]

if in doubt

http://www.usga.org/equipment/conforming_golf_ball/gball_list.pdf

 

[backwoodsman]

DCB has it right (see rules & decisions books - or use the R&A on-line version). Practice balls are conforming balls that have the word "practice" on them - same as they might have a name or logo stamped on them. They are usable in all competitions even if the competition has the "conforming" stipulation.

X-outs can be used in competition unless the committee have declared the competition to be one with the conforming stipulation (but, the recommendation is that they don't generally do this at our level)