Written by: Darin Green, Senior Director of Rules & Competitions
Rule 9.4 covers several situations when a ball is lifted or moved by the player and explains when there is a penalty and when there is no penalty. “Moved” means the ball comes to rest in another spot and it was not the result of a stroke.
While Searching – There is no penalty if a player is taking reasonable actions to find and identify their ball and the ball moves in the process. The ball must be replaced or the player may proceed under any applicable relief options.
Teeing Area – Any time a player’s ball is within the teeing area, the player may move the ball to a different area within the teeing area and tee the ball up. Therefore, there is no penalty if a player accidentally knocks the ball off the tee.
Putting Green – There is no penalty if a player accidentally causes their ball to move on the putting green. The ball must be replaced. A common example is a player making practice swings near their ball and the toe of the putter causes the ball to move. In that example, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced.
While Applying a Rule – There is no penalty when the player accidentally causes the ball to move while taking reasonable actions to:
- Mark, lift or replace the ball when allowed to do so
- Remove a movable obstruction
- Restore worsened conditions, when allowed to do so
- Take relief under a Rule, or determining if relief is available
- Measuring under a Rule
General Area (Fairway, Rough, etc.), Bunker, or Penalty Area – When a player accidentally or purposely moves their ball in play, other than in making a stroke or in one of the situations listed above, the player incurs a one-stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced. Common examples include; a practice swing moves the ball, while moving a loose impediment (leaves, twigs, etc.) and it causes the ball to move, or something is accidentally dropped and the ball moves.
Unless your ball is in the teeing area or on the putting green, be careful when you are around your ball and make sure you do not accidentally cause it to move.
