When Can I Play Two Balls on the Same Hole?

You can play two balls only in stroke play when you are uncertain about the correct procedure. You must announce which ball you want to count before playing either, complete the hole with both, and report the facts to the committee before returning your scorecard.

When It's Allowed

Playing two balls is permitted only in stroke play, never in match play. It applies when you face a situation where you're not sure which Rule applies or how to proceed — for example, whether you're entitled to relief from an abnormal course condition or whether your ball lies in a penalty area. You cannot use this option just because you don't like your lie or want a second chance.

The Required Procedure

Before making a stroke at either ball, you must announce to your marker or another player that you are playing two balls under Rule 6.3d and specify which ball you want to count if the Rules allow it. You then play both balls, holing out with each unless the committee later decides one doesn't count. After the round, you must report the facts to the committee before returning your scorecard, even if you scored the same with both balls.

If You Don't Follow the Procedure

If you play two balls without announcing which one should count, the ball played first is treated as the one you chose, but you get the general penalty (two strokes). If you fail to report the facts to the committee before returning your scorecard, you are disqualified. In match play, playing two balls is not allowed — you must resolve the doubt before playing, or your opponent may make a claim.

Exceptions that change the answer

• In match play → You cannot play two balls; you must resolve the doubt before playing or your opponent may claim the hole.
• You don't announce which ball should count before playing → The first ball played is treated as your chosen ball and you get the general penalty (two strokes).
• You don't report the facts to the committee before returning your scorecard → You are disqualified.

Frequently asked questions

Can I play two balls in match play?

No. Rule 6.3d applies only in stroke play. In match play you must resolve the doubt before playing, or your opponent may make a claim under Rule 20.1b.

What if I forget to announce which ball I want to count?

The ball you played first is treated as the one you chose, but you incur the general penalty of two strokes.

Do I have to play both balls from the same spot?

Yes. You play each ball as it lies after your previous stroke, following the different procedures you're uncertain about for each ball.

What happens if I don't tell the committee about the two balls?

You are disqualified, even if both balls produced the same score.

Can I decide which ball counts after seeing how both turn out?

No. You must announce which ball you want to count before playing either one. The committee then decides which score counts based on the Rules.