A player played two balls in stroke play. How do we decide which score counts?

A player unsure of the right procedure may complete the hole with two balls (Rule 20.1c(3)). They must decide before making a stroke, should announce which ball they want to count, and must report the facts to the Committee before returning the scorecard, even if both scores are the same. Failure to report is disqualification. If they made a stroke before deciding, the original ball's score counts (no penalty for the second ball).

Deciding the score (Rule 20.1c(4)):

1. The chosen ball counts if the Rules allowed the procedure used for it. (If no choice was announced in time, the ball played first is the chosen ball.)
2. If not, the other ball counts if the Rules allowed its procedure.
3. If neither procedure was allowed, the chosen ball counts, unless it involved a serious breach of playing from a wrong place, in which case the other ball counts.
4. If both involved a serious wrong-place breach, the player is disqualified.

Strokes and penalties solely from the ball that doesn't count are ignored. "Allowed" means the original ball was played as it lies where play was permitted, or the ball was put in play correctly in the right place.