43 Rule 4 4.2 Balls 4.2a Balls Allowed in Play of Round (1) Conforming Ball Must Be Played. In making each stroke, a player must use a ball that conforms to the requirements in the Equipment Rules. A player may get a conforming ball to play from anyone else, including another player on the course. (2) Deliberately Altered Ball Must Not Be Played. A player must not make a stroke at a ball whose performance characteristics have been deliberately altered, such as by scuffing or heating the ball or by applying any substance (other than in cleaning it). Penalty for Making Stroke in Breach of Rule 4.2a: Disqualification. 4.2b Ball Breaks into Pieces While Playing Hole If a player’s ball breaks into pieces after a stroke, there is no penalty and the stroke does not count. The player must play another ball from where that stroke was made (see Rule 14.6). Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 4.2b: General Penalty Under Rule 14.7a. 4.2c Ball Becomes Cut or Cracked While Playing Hole (1) Lifting Ball to See If Cut or Cracked. If a player reasonably believes that their ball has become cut or cracked during the hole being played: • The player may lift the ball to look at it, but: • The spot of the ball must first be marked, and the ball must not be cleaned (except on the putting green) (see Rule 14.1). If the player lifts the ball without having this reasonable belief (except on the putting green where the player may lift under Rule 13.1b), fails to mark the spot of the ball before lifting it or cleans it when not allowed, the player gets one penalty stroke.
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