Russell Henley penalized 8 strokes for violating the COC One Ball Rule however.... PGA of America?

[grm24]

Russell Henley was penalized 8 shots during the 2nd round of The Mayakoba event on the PGA Tour for violating the one ball COC rule. Fair enough. However in the article on his penalty it mentions that the PGA Of America does not use the one ball rule COC for the PGA Championship. Assuming the article linked below is correct why would the PGA not use the one ball COC in the PGA Championship?

 

https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/28095020/russell-henley-penalized-8-strokes-using-two-types-balls-round

 

_So, for example, Henley or any player would not be permitted to start with a Pro V1 and switch to a Pro V1x or any other brand or color of golf ball. **(The PGA of America, which runs the PGA Championship, does not invoke the One Ball Rule in its competitions.)_**

[rogolf]

Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

[noodle3872]

I guess the PGA of A doesn’t use the one ball rule simply because for their event they don’t want or feel the need to invoke the one ball rule. Maybe it’s their way of giving the USGA a bit of a middle finger.

[KevCarter]

> @noodle3872 said:

> I guess the PGA of A doesn’t use the one ball rule simply because for their event they don’t want or feel the need to invoke the one ball rule. Maybe it’s their way of giving the USGA a bit of a middle finger.

 

How is not using an optional condition of competition disrespecting the USGA?

[noodle3872]

> @KevCarter said:

> > @noodle3872 said:

> > I guess the PGA of A doesn’t use the one ball rule simply because for their event they don’t want or feel the need to invoke the one ball rule. Maybe it’s their way of giving the USGA a bit of a middle finger.

>

> How is not using an optional condition of competition disrespecting the USGA?

 

I don’t know; I was pontificating. The USGA rule is used in every other PGA Tour event except the one event run solely by the PGA of A. For me, not using a rule used every week except the one event is the PGA’s way of being stubborn. In the end it’s the PGA’s prerogative. I highly doubt one week per year the players in the event will suddenly blend makes and models of balls.

[Augster]

The COC 1-ball rule is at it’s end. It’s time to put it out to pasture. It causes more problems than it solves. These guys are so dialed in on a single ball, and the balls are so good, swapping balls is likely going to hurt them more than help. If they want to use a balata one hole and a V1 the next, why not?

 

Since the players run the Tour, I’m shocked it’s still a COC. They also, potentially, lose out on money making opportunities using multiple balls. Tiger might use a Bridgestone on the 4’s and 5’s, but sign a contract with Titleist for a dedicated “par 3 ball”.

 

Go away one ball rule.

[tacklingdummy]

> @Augster said:

> The COC 1-ball rule is at it’s end. It’s time to put it out to pasture. It causes more problems than it solves. These guys are so dialed in on a single ball, and the balls are so good, swapping balls is likely going to hurt them more than help. If they want to use a balata one hole and a V1 the next, why not?

 

 

I agree. Would a player use a ProV1 and a ProV1X during the course of a round to gain an advantage? Hardly. The differences in those balls is quite noticeable and would be difficult for players to adjust, so it is more of a disadvantage. The pros wouldn't consciously use different balls through the course of a round. It is really a rule that has much to ado about nothing.

 

 

[davep043]

> @noodle3872 said:

> > @KevCarter said:

> > > @noodle3872 said:

> > > I guess the PGA of A doesn’t use the one ball rule simply because for their event they don’t want or feel the need to invoke the one ball rule. Maybe it’s their way of giving the USGA a bit of a middle finger.

> >

> > How is not using an optional condition of competition disrespecting the USGA?

>

> I don’t know; I was pontificating. The USGA rule is used in every other PGA Tour event except the one event run solely by the PGA of A. For me, not using a rule used every week except the one event is the PGA’s way of being stubborn. In the end it’s the PGA’s prerogative. I highly doubt one week per year the players in the event will suddenly blend makes and models of balls.

 

If anything, the PGA of America would be snubbing the PGA Tour.

 

But really, why does the article even mention what happens in a single event each year, when the bulk of the time these guys are required to use the"one ball rule"? There's not even a hint of scandal here. A guy realizes he broke a rule, he brings it up to the officials, he accepts the penalty strokes, story over. Is ESPN trying to create something out of nothing?

[rogolf]

> @davep043 said:

> > @noodle3872 said:

> > > @KevCarter said:

> > > > @noodle3872 said:

> > > > I guess the PGA of A doesn’t use the one ball rule simply because for their event they don’t want or feel the need to invoke the one ball rule. Maybe it’s their way of giving the USGA a bit of a middle finger.

> > >

> > > How is not using an optional condition of competition disrespecting the USGA?

> >

> > I don’t know; I was pontificating. The USGA rule is used in every other PGA Tour event except the one event run solely by the PGA of A. For me, not using a rule used every week except the one event is the PGA’s way of being stubborn. In the end it’s the PGA’s prerogative. I highly doubt one week per year the players in the event will suddenly blend makes and models of balls.

>

> If anything, the PGA of America would be snubbing the PGA Tour.

>

> But really, why does the article even mention what happens in a single event each year, when the bulk of the time these guys are required to use the"one ball rule"? There's not even a hint of scandal here. A guy realizes he broke a rule, he brings it up to the officials, he accepts the penalty strokes, story over. **Is ESPN trying to create something out of nothing?**

 

That wouldn't be unusual for the "news" media; one of their goals is to create conflict thereby creating news, instead of just reporting it.

 

 

[grm24]

> @rogolf said:

> Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

 

All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

[KevCarter]

> @grm24 said:

> > @rogolf said:

> > Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

>

> All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

 

Just a guess that they are trying to avoid what just happened to the subject of this thread?

[davep043]

> @tacklingdummy said:

> The differences in those balls is quite noticeable and would be difficult for players to adjust, so it is more of a disadvantage. The pros wouldn't consciously use different balls through the course of a round. It is really a rule that has much to ado about nothing.

>

I'm not so sure, I think that with the amount of time available, an accomplished player could learn to adapt to the differing characteristics of two balls, and choose the one that gives him an advantage in particular situations. Remember also that you can introduce a new golf ball in many more situations now that you used to be able to, so a player might substitute a different type of ball during the play of a single hole. Also consider the times when conditions change through a round, a player might decide that he needs more (or less) spin as the day goes on.

 

 

[sui generis]

> @davep043 said:

> > @tacklingdummy said:

> > The differences in those balls is quite noticeable and would be difficult for players to adjust, so it is more of a disadvantage. The pros wouldn't consciously use different balls through the course of a round. It is really a rule that has much to ado about nothing.

> >

> I'm not so sure, I think that with the amount of time available, an accomplished player could learn to adapt to the differing characteristics of two balls, and choose the one that gives him an advantage in particular situations. Remember also that you can introduce a new golf ball in many more situations now that you used to be able to, so a player might substitute a different type of ball during the play of a single hole. Also consider the times when conditions change through a round, a player might decide that he needs more (or less) spin as the day goes on.

>

>

 

How ordinary of you! The previous speculations on internecine warfare will generate many, many more clicks. ;)

[grm24]

> @KevCarter said:

> > @grm24 said:

> > > @rogolf said:

> > > Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

> >

> > All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

>

> Just a guess that they are trying to avoid what just happened to the subject of this thread?

 

Possibly but how many times since the one ball COC has been used has this happened? Maybe I should have posted this in the tour talk section. Would have thought one of the knowledgeable rule experts here would have the reason why.

[KevCarter]

> @grm24 said:

> > @KevCarter said:

> > > @grm24 said:

> > > > @rogolf said:

> > > > Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

> > >

> > > All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

> >

> > Just a guess that they are trying to avoid what just happened to the subject of this thread?

>

> Possibly but how many times since the one ball COC has been used has this happened? Maybe I should have posted this in the tour talk section. Would have thought one of the knowledgeable rule experts here would have the reason why.

 

You start a thread about someone being nailed with a silly 8 shot penalty, and you can't figure out why all organizations don't use the optional condition of competition? Are you serious? ?

[Sawgrass]

> @KevCarter said:

> > @grm24 said:

> > > @KevCarter said:

> > > > @grm24 said:

> > > > > @rogolf said:

> > > > > Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

> > > >

> > > > All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

> > >

> > > Just a guess that they are trying to avoid what just happened to the subject of this thread?

> >

> > Possibly but how many times since the one ball COC has been used has this happened? Maybe I should have posted this in the tour talk section. Would have thought one of the knowledgeable rule experts here would have the reason why.

>

> You start a thread about someone being nailed with a silly 8 shot penalty, and you can't figure out why all organizations don't use the optional condition of competition? Are you serious? ?

 

Here's the most useful aspect of the C of C: When it first came out, I was playing in a tournament with a wide dispersion of handicaps and upon arrival at the first tee to get checked in, this requirement was thrust upon us with no prior warning. The stampede to the pro shop of group after group to buy several (overpriced) balls was impressive.

 

Perhaps the management at Turtleback is too kind . . .

[KevCarter]

> @Sawgrass said:

> > @KevCarter said:

> > > @grm24 said:

> > > > @KevCarter said:

> > > > > @grm24 said:

> > > > > > @rogolf said:

> > > > > > Because it's optional and perhaps the Local Rule is really irrelevant given that the balls are nearly all the same and they don't want to trap players?

> > > > >

> > > > > All of the golf balls on tour aren't nearly all the same. Not even close. So that's not an issue. That said how could the PGA of America possibly be "trapping" players with the once ball COC when nearly all tour level professional golf already invokes the one ball COC?

> > > >

> > > > Just a guess that they are trying to avoid what just happened to the subject of this thread?

> > >

> > > Possibly but how many times since the one ball COC has been used has this happened? Maybe I should have posted this in the tour talk section. Would have thought one of the knowledgeable rule experts here would have the reason why.

> >

> > You start a thread about someone being nailed with a silly 8 shot penalty, and you can't figure out why all organizations don't use the optional condition of competition? Are you serious? ?

>

> Here's the most useful aspect of the C of C: When it first came out, I was playing in a tournament with a wide dispersion of handicaps and upon arrival at the first tee to get checked in, this requirement was thrust upon us with no prior warning. The stampede to the pro shop of group after group to buy several (overpriced) balls was impressive.

>

> Perhaps the management at Turtleback is too kind . . .

 

ROTFL Yes, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I did that, and the balls I sell are way over priced!!! ???

[tacklingdummy]

Balls take a long time to adjust to. So many factors to consider. Different distances, spin, trajectories, feel, etc. The pros spend a ton of time testing balls. When Bubba Watson switched to Volvik, his game fell off the planet (89 world ranking) to the point where he was seriously thinking about quitting golf. As soon as he switch back to the ProV1X, he wins Riviera.

[Graymulligan]

This is all well and good, but if you eliminate the one ball rule, you're going to see guys using one ball for driving, one ball for iron shots, a different ball for wedge shots, and yet another ball for putting.

/s

 

[rogolf]

And how will they do that without penalty?

[Kossuvissy]

You cannot change your ball while playing a hole.

[Sawgrass]

You cannot, except for the many, many occasions you can.

[jlbos83]

That's true! But even then, the cases where you can actually change balls, are pretty limited. I almost always have a spare in my left pocket (for provisional use, generally). That means I have to make sure I always put my ball in my right pocket when I mark on the green. I believe, with no basis, that since the pros get pretty attuned to their ball, they really would not be that interested in changing for different shots. They know how to make the ball they play do what they want it to.

That said, it's interesting that Henley didn't notice the supposed difference in the playing characteristics of the "oops" ball. Maybe they are not in tune as we have been led to believe?

[Sawgrass]

Given the season, I wonder how many people know that you can substitute a ball every single time you lift, clean, and place?

[Sawgrass]

Please note that above I’m referring to LCP, better known as preferred lies or winter rules. (Not lifting, cleaning and placing on a green.)

[antip]

That statement had some validity in 2018, 2019 not so much.

[Kossuvissy]

It seems one needs to write a short novel every time to satisfy all nitpickers...

[Sawgrass]

You are posting in a rules forum, and you made an incorrect comment which could convince people of a general rule that’s Simply not true. Yet you are the injured party?

 

[jlbos83]

I did not know that! I assumed (a dangerous sport) that the procedure would be similar to marking a ball on the green, and that the original ball would need to be used. I am fortunate, playing in the desert, I almost never play in such conditions. Though this weekend actually had some LCP appropriate conditions. And I actually cleaned my ball a couple times! And lost two in swimming pools... I mean bunkers! Just read the two model local rules, I like E-2 better, replace, rather than move the ball to a nice place! But, I am now more educated than I was a few minutes ago!

[Kossuvissy]

I believe all but you understood my post. You were just nitpicking.