What is the effect of intentionally altering the performance of a ball?

Intentionally altering the performance of a ball is considered a serious violation of the rules of golf. Such actions fall under the category of tampering with equipment to gain an unfair advantage during play. The rules are designed to maintain the integrity of the game, ensuring that all players compete under the same conditions with properly regulated equipment.

When a player is found to have altered the ball's performance, the penalty is severe. Disqualification is enforced to uphold the standards of fair play and to prevent any player from gaining an unfair advantage. This reinforces the principle that all players must adhere to the same regulations regarding equipment.

The other choices reflect responses that would be too lenient given the gravity of the offense. A mere penalty of strokes does not adequately address the intentional misconduct associated with altering a ball. Similarly, simply replacing the ball or taking no action at all would not fit with the principles of fair competition in golf.