Tip From the Archives

When to Switch Balls on the Course

Problem

If you are playing just to practice and you approach a water hazard or a tough shot, you switch to a dingy ball you found on the course. You are usually glad you did because the ball went just where you didn’t want it to go.

Cure

Chances are you have already determined that you will mess this shot up and have allowed yourself to give up or become tense so you do not swing naturally with proper posture or technique.

Therapy

Most successful shots are made because you visualize the ball landing at the appropriate location; practice your swing so you actually feel the club making the shot. When you switch to a scuffed ball because you fear losing a good one, you have already ingrained the wrong image and swing into your mind and are setting yourself up for disaster. If you switch to a new ball, you are more likely to take proper posture, a careful swing, and take the extra time to help visualize the ball landing where you really want it to. Please note that during official game play that it is against the rules to switch balls on the course unless the ball is unfit for play; such as being cut, cracked, or misshaped.

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4 votes

 
dbm | last year, at the start of November

Great tip. I used to carry an extra ball in my pocket, so I wouldn't have to walk back to my bag when I lost one. A playing partner pointed out the same thing: that extra ball was a constant acknowledgement that I wasn't going to hit the fairway or make the tough shot. I've lost far fewer balls since taking that ball out of my pocket.



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