The Rule of One

I’ve never quite understood the so-called “One Ball Rule” that is applied in USGA and state championships and occasional other tournaments. The rule is that a player must only use one brand of golf ball during the entire round. If you start with a Titleist Pro V1, you cannot switch in mid-round to a Pro V1X.

The apparent purpose is to prevent players from using different golf balls for different holes or conditions. For example, on a long par-5 you’d like to reach in two you use a ball designed to maximize distance. On a par-3 with a firm green, you pull out a ball with a softer cover that generates a lot of spin.

If a player is skilled enough to understand the varying trajectories, distances, and stopping power his swing produces for two or three or more kinds of golf balls, more power to him (or less, depending on the ball). Most of us have trouble figuring out what one brand of ball is going to do on any given shot.

If the intent is to level the playing field, why not make every player use a common “tournament ball”? Everybody gets the same design and brand – draw straws for the numbers – and the difference in flight characteristics will be generated by the player’s ability. This week everybody plays Titleist NXT. Next week everybody must adjust to the Nike Platinum. Every ball on the market gets its week in the sun. Too extreme? Anti-free market?

While we’re on the subject of choice, perhaps the USGA should consider a “One Tee Rule.” When I was learning the game there were only two tee options – natural wood and white-painted wood, both about 2-inches high. Now you can buy multi-colored tees, plastic pegs, extra long tees to handle the balloon-head drivers, tees with bristles (that also come in handy to clean your spikes), tees with reduced friction, or next-to-no friction, even tees that purportedly correct slices.

Is it fair for one competitor to have an advantage because the tee he uses creates less resistance than the old-technology wooden cups his opponent is stuck with? (Some tee manufacturers claim to add several extra yards to your drives.) Should a player be allowed to use a tee that creates more spin on a par-3 and a different tee that reduces spin on a par-4 or par-5? Should orange tees of any kind even be allowed on the golf course?

While we’re on the subject, how about a “One Kind of Spikes” rule? (Sorry, Phil, no ‘nails.’) Or even a “One Kind of Golf Shoe” rule? Maybe a “One Ball Marker” rule (don’t you hate people who mark their ball with a medallion the size of a grapefruit?). “One Glove” rule? (If it gets wet during the round, tough luck.) “One Kind of Grip”? “One Kind of Shaft”? (Steel, graphite, or composite.) “One Kind of Hat”?

-- Rick Adams

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