The ruling in plain English
If a shot from off the putting green accidentally hits you, another person, a bag, trolley or other equipment, there is normally no penalty and you play the ball as it lies. A stroke made from the putting green can have a different result and may need to be replayed.
Apply the Rule on the course
After a stroke from off the putting green, the ball is normally played as it lies. A stroke from the putting green may have to be replayed when the ball hits a specified person, animal or movable obstruction there.
- 1
Confirm that the ball was moving after a stroke and the contact was accidental.
- 2
Identify whether the stroke was made from on or off the putting green.
- 3
For a stroke from off the green, apply no penalty and normally play as it lies.
- 4
For a stroke from the green, check Rule 11.1b before continuing because replay may be required.
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What else matters
Normally no penalty for an accidental hit. Deliberate deflection is governed by Rule 11.2 and brings the general penalty.
Exceptions
- In stroke play, a ball played from the green that hits another ball at rest there can bring the general penalty when both were on the green.
- A dropped ball hitting a person or equipment before resting is handled under Rule 14.3.
- Deliberate deflection is Rule 11.2; flagstick situations are Rule 13.2.
Common mistakes
- Automatically adding a penalty because the shot hit a person or equipment.
- Ignoring the putting-green exceptions.
Remember: Accidental hit off the green: no penalty, normally play it as it lies.
R&A Rules 11.1a and 11.1b
Independent plain-English guide. The current Rules, Interpretations and applicable Local Rules control.