Hypothetical: PGA player uses $1 ball. What Happens?

GMR · February 17, 2019

Aren't the $1 balls today better than the crap the pros played 30 years ago? Those guys went low back then.

"Better" is relative. Balatas had a lot of issues relative to the current crop but insufficient spin wasn't one of them. Courses were also shorter and greens were nowhere near as firm and fast as many of today's setups. Not all that comparable.

tgreenwood11 · February 18, 2019

Years ago my parents followed Gary Player in the Open. On one hole after he finished playing it his caddie Rabbit flipped my Mom his ball. It was a Topflite, the original one with the small dimples and rock hard. Gary was using the brand on holes into the wind.

puttsandpims · February 18, 2019

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BB28403 · February 19, 2019

Years ago my parents followed Gary Player in the Open. On one hole after he finished playing it his caddie Rabbit flipped my Mom his ball. It was a Topflite, the original one with the small dimples and rock hard. Gary was using the brand on holes into the wind.

It’s illegal to change your ball during tourney play I think?

Matt J · February 19, 2019

Years ago my parents followed Gary Player in the Open. On one hole after he finished playing it his caddie Rabbit flipped my Mom his ball. It was a Topflite, the original one with the small dimples and rock hard. Gary was using the brand on holes into the wind.

It’s illegal to change your ball during tourney play I think?

One Ball Condition. It's a local rule for competition and I think it's relatively new. Used to have to hole out with the same ball unless it was damaged, but you could use a different brand or model on the tee box of the next hole.

https://www.usga.org/RulesFAQ/rules_answer.asp?FAQidx=124&Rule=100

Stonedude · February 20, 2019

I think there would be a few shots lost here and there. Most importantly, I think there would be a decrease in super low rounds.

Their driving distances would increase 15 yards on average, making their second shots closer yet. Someone recommended the Pinnacle Soft for a good winter ball, so I tried it and it is crazy good even for putting. Tour pros would figure it out in short order :fan_1: