Ball Moved at Rest (Accidentally Moving Your Ball)
Also known as: accidentally moved my ball, moved my ball by accident, moved my golf ball, ball moved at address, wind moved my ball, ball moved on the green, ball moves after address
If you accidentally move your ball at rest, replace it and add one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4. There is no penalty on the putting green, while searching for it, or while marking, lifting or replacing it under a Rule. If wind or water moves it, play it from its new spot without penalty.
A ball has moved only if it leaves its spot and stops somewhere else by an amount you can see. A ball that only wobbles and settles back has not moved. If you are not sure it moved, it is treated as not having moved.
The Rules recognize four causes. If you or your caddie caused it, replace the ball and take one penalty stroke, unless an exception applies. If natural forces such as wind or gravity moved it, play it from where it stops with no penalty. If an outside influence moved it, such as another player in stroke play or an animal, replace it without penalty. In match play, an opponent who moves your ball usually gets one penalty stroke, and you replace it.
The main exceptions to the player's penalty cover accidents on the putting green and during a search. They also cover moving the ball while marking, lifting or replacing it, or while removing a movable obstruction. On the green, a ball moved by wind after you marked and replaced it goes back to its spot. One moved by wind before you marked it is played from the new spot. If the ball starts to move after you begin your backswing and you complete the stroke, it is not replaced.
Tips by skill level
On a slope, ground the club lightly or hover it behind the ball. If the ball does move because of you, replace it and add one stroke.
Use the known or virtually certain standard. If it is not virtually certain you caused the movement, the ball is treated as moved by natural forces and played from its new spot.
Example
A golfer grounds her club behind the ball in the rough and the ball rolls an inch down the slope. Her action caused it. She replaces the ball and adds one penalty stroke.
Why it matters
Accidentally moved balls are one of the most common rules questions. The answer depends on who or what moved the ball and where it was.
Common mistakes
- Playing a ball you moved from its new spot instead of replacing it
- Adding a penalty for a ball moved by accident on the green
- Replacing a ball that the wind moved before you marked it
- Calling a ball that only wobbled a moved ball
Frequently asked questions
What is the penalty if I accidentally move my golf ball?
One penalty stroke, and you replace the ball. There is no penalty if it happens on the putting green, during a search, or while marking, lifting or replacing it under a Rule.
What if the wind moves my golf ball?
Play it from its new spot without penalty. On the green, a ball you had already marked and replaced goes back to its original spot.
Is there a penalty for moving your ball on the green?
No, not if it is an accident. Replace the ball on its original spot, or put your marker there.
What if another player moves my ball?
In stroke play, replace it with no penalty. In match play, your opponent usually gets one penalty stroke and you replace the ball.
Sources
Related terms
- Loose ImpedimentsLoose impediments are unattached natural objects such as leaves, twigs, stones and loose grass, and you may move them without penalty. That applies anywhere on the course, including bunkers and penalty areas. But if moving one makes your ball move, you get one penalty stroke and must replace the ball. The exception is a ball on the putting green or teeing area, where there is no penalty.
- Marking Your Ball on the GreenOnce your ball is on the putting green, you may mark, lift and clean it whenever you like. First place a ball-marker, or hold a club on the ground, right behind or right next to the ball. Replace the ball on exactly the same spot, and remove the marker before you putt. Lifting a ball without marking it first costs one penalty stroke.
- Wrong BallHitting a wrong ball, any ball other than your ball in play, costs two penalty strokes in stroke play. In match play you lose the hole. In stroke play the strokes with the wrong ball don't count; go back and play your own ball. If you don't correct it before teeing off on the next hole, or before returning your card after the last, you are disqualified.
- Address PositionAddress position is a golfer's complete setup just before the swing starts: grip, stance, alignment, ball position, posture, and weight distribution.
- Drop ProcedureThe modern drop releases the ball from knee height, straight down, into the relief area. It is simpler than the old shoulder-height drop but often done wrong.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.