The ruling in plain English
If a person accidentally moves your ball or ball-marker on the putting green, there is no penalty and the ball or marker must be replaced. If wind or water moves the ball, replace it only if it had already been lifted and replaced; otherwise play it from its new spot.
Check these facts first
There is no penalty when a player, opponent or another player accidentally moves the player's ball or ball-marker on the putting green. An accidentally moved ball must be replaced on its original spot, which may be estimated. A ball moved by natural forces is replaced if it had already been lifted and replaced; otherwise it is played from its new spot.
Your on-course procedure
- 1
Identify whether a person or natural forces caused the movement.
- 2
If a person accidentally caused it, replace the ball or ball-marker on the original spot and apply no penalty.
- 3
If natural forces caused it after the ball had been lifted and replaced, replace it on the original spot.
- 4
If natural forces caused it before the ball had been lifted and replaced, play it from its new spot.
Count it correctly
No penalty for accidental movement covered by Rule 13.1d; playing from a wrong place brings the general penalty.
The exact outcome depends on the stated facts and format of play. Apply any exception below before recording the penalty.
Know when the answer changes
- If the ball begins moving during the backswing or stroke and the stroke is made, play it from where it comes to rest.
- Deliberately lifting a ball without authority is handled under Rule 9.4.
Avoid these wrong turns
- Playing an accidentally moved ball from its new position.
- Automatically replacing a wind-moved ball that had not previously been lifted and replaced.
Check the official wording
This independent guide is a plain-English aid. The current Rules, Interpretations and any course Local Rules control the ruling.
Would you make the right call?
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