Lot Essay
Clapcott observes that 'The arrival of the gutta-percha ball is evident in the rules of 1858, when, owing to the poor quality of the new ball it was necessary to provide for a ball splitting into pieces. But possibly as a warning to players to avoid inferior balls, a ball which had split into pieces could be replaced by another on penalty of a stroke.' Another rule not enjoyed today allowed players with caddies to pass those without (The Rules of Golf, p. 19).