Do I have to finish the hole with the same ball I teed off with?

Quick answer: Yes — you must hole out with the same ball you teed off with, unless it's lost, out of bounds, or a Rule allows substitution (Rule 6.3a).

Yes, you normally have to finish the hole with the same ball you played from the tee. The only exceptions are if that ball is lost, goes out of bounds, or you properly substitute another ball under the Rules (Rule 6.3a).

The basic rule

When you start a hole, you can play any conforming ball you want. But once you've teed off, that specific ball is the one you have to hole out with. You can't just swap it for a fresh one because you feel like it or because the cover got scuffed. Rule 6.3a says you must hole out with the same ball played from the teeing area, period — unless one of the exceptions below kicks in. It's a good habit to put an identifying mark on your ball (Rule 7.2) so there's never any doubt which one is yours.

When you can switch balls

There are three main situations where you're allowed to put a different ball in play during a hole. First, if your original ball is lost or comes to rest out of bounds — you're taking stroke-and-distance relief anyway, so a new ball comes into play. Second, when you're taking relief under a Rule (dropping or placing), you can use either the original ball or another one (Rule 14.3a). Third, when you're playing again from where a previous stroke was made (stroke-and-distance or replay), you can also use either ball (Rule 14.6). But here's the catch: if you're replacing a ball on its original spot (like after marking it on the green), you generally must use the original ball — no substitution allowed (Rule 14.2a).

What happens if you play the wrong ball

If you make a stroke at a ball that isn't yours and substitution wasn't allowed, you get the general penalty — two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. In stroke play, you must then correct the mistake by playing your original ball (or taking relief if it's lost). The strokes you made with the wrong ball don't count. If you don't correct it before teeing off on the next hole (or before returning your scorecard on the final hole), you're disqualified.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Your ball is lost or comes to rest out of bounds → You take stroke-and-distance relief and put a new ball in play — the original ball is no longer in play even if found later.
• You substitute another ball under a Rule that allows it (relief, replay from previous spot) → The substituted ball becomes the ball in play; the original ball is out of play even if it's sitting right there.
• You make a stroke at a wrong ball that's moving in water in a penalty area or temporary water → No penalty — the stroke doesn't count, and you must correct the mistake by playing the right ball or taking relief.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change balls between holes?

Yes, you can change balls between any two holes — Rule 6.3a explicitly allows this. You just can't swap mid-hole unless an exception applies.

What if I lose my ball in the woods and find it three minutes later?

Once the three-minute search time expires, the ball is lost. If you've already put another ball in play under stroke-and-distance, you must continue with that substituted ball — you cannot play the original even if found.

Can I switch to a different ball when taking free relief from a cart path?

Yes. When taking relief under any Rule (including Rule 16.1 for abnormal course conditions), you may use either the original ball or another ball (Rule 14.3a).

What's the penalty for accidentally playing my partner's ball in match play?

Loss of hole. If both players play each other's ball during the hole, the first to make a stroke at the wrong ball gets the general penalty (loss of hole).

My ball is moving in a penalty area — I swing and hit it. Penalty?

No penalty if the ball was moving in water in a penalty area or temporary water. The stroke doesn't count, and you must play the correct ball from its original spot or take relief.