18/1  Ball Moves Vertically Downward

Q. A ball lying in long grass slips vertically downward. Or a ball is accidentally stepped on and pressed down, say a quarter of an inch, in the grass or into the ground. In each case, has the ball moved?

A. Yes, unless the ball returns to its original position. The direction of movement is immaterial.

18/2  Ball Oscillates During Address

Q. In addressing the ball, a player accidentally causes the ball to oscillate, but it returns to its original position. Has the ball “moved”?

A. No.

18/3  Ball in Fork of Tree Moves in Relation to Ground But Not in Relation to Fork

Q. A ball rests in the fork of a branch of a tree. The player climbs the tree to play his next stroke. The branch bends under his weight. Although the ball has moved relative to the ground, it has not moved relative to the fork. Is the ball deemed to have moved?

A. The ball is deemed not to have moved since it did not move in relation to the fork of the tree in which it was lodged.

[18/4  Reserved]

[18/5 Reserved]

[18/6 Reserved]

18/7  Explanation of “Any Ball He Has Played”

Q. The Definition of “Equipment” excludes “any ball he (the player) has played at the hole being played.” What does this mean?

A. The phrase means any ball the player has played at the hole being played except during any period when it has been lifted and has not been put back into play. Accordingly, the ball in play, a provisional ball, a second ball played under Rule 3-3 or Rule 20-7c and a ball being used for practice are not equipment.

Player Lifts His Ball on Putting Green and Sets It Aside; Opponent’s or Fellow-Competitor’s Ball Played from Green Subsequently Strikes Player’s Ball — See 19-5/1.

18/7.5  Player’s Ball Moved by Ball Accidentally Dropped by Opponent or Fellow-Competitor

Q. A lifts his ball on the putting green. He then accidentally drops the ball and it strikes and moves B’s ball, which is in play and at rest. What is the ruling?

A. A ball that has been lifted and not put back into play is equipment — see Note 1 under the Definition of “Equipment.”

In match play, A incurs a penalty stroke and B must replace his ball — Rule 18-3b.

In stroke play, there is no penalty and B must replace his ball — Rule 18-4. (Revised)

18/8  Ball Moved by Golf Cart Shared by Two Players

Under the Definition of “Equipment,” equipment includes a golf cart, whether or not motorized. If two or more players share a golf cart, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of one of the players sharing the cart. If the cart is being moved by one of the players (or the partner of one of the players) sharing it, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be that player’s equipment. Otherwise, the cart and everything in it are deemed to be the equipment of the player sharing the cart whose ball (or whose partner’s ball) is involved.

Thus, for example, in a singles match, if A and B are sharing a cart and the cart moves A’s ball which was at rest, A would be penalized one stroke if he was driving or pulling the cart (Rule 18-2a). B would be penalized one stroke if he was driving or pulling the cart (Rule 18-3b), unless the incident occurred during search (Rule 18-3a). (Revised)

[18/9  Reserved]

18/10  Ball Falls into Bunker When Person Walks Nearby

Q. A ball at rest on the edge of a bunker falls into the bunker when X (a spectator, the player, an opponent or a fellow-competitor) walks nearby. Should the ball be replaced in accordance with Rules 18-1 or -4 or must the ball be played as it lies in the bunker?

A. The answer depends on whether X in any way caused the ball to move. If it is determined that X did not in any way cause the ball to move, there is no penalty and the ball must be played as it lies.

If it is determined that X caused the ball to move, it must be replaced. If X is the player, the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a; if X is an opponent, the opponent incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-3b. In all other cases, there is no penalty.

Whether X caused the ball to move is a question of fact to be determined in the light of all the circumstances. Relevant circumstances might include the distance between X and the ball and the nature of the ground. In the absence of evidence that X caused the ball to move, it should be concluded that the ball’s movement was a coincidence.

18/11  Meaning of “Immediately Recoverable”

Q. With reference to Note 1 under Rule 18, when is a ball to be replaced deemed not to be “immediately recoverable”?

A. When it cannot be retrieved within a few seconds.

[18-1/1 Reserved]

18-1/2 Status of Air When Artificially Propelled

Q. What is the status of air from a blower operated by an outside agency or from a fan?

A. Although the Definition of “Outside Agency” states that wind is not an outside agency, in this case the artificially-propelled air is considered to be an outside agency.

If such artificially-propelled air moves a ball at rest, Rule 18-1 applies. (New)

18-1/3  Player Unaware Ball Moved by Outside Agency Does Not Replace Ball

Q. In stroke play, a player’s ball was moved by an outside agency. Neither the player nor his caddie was aware that his ball had been moved, so the player did not replace the ball. He completed the hole, teed off at the next hole and then learned that his ball had been moved at the previous hole. What is the ruling?

A. It would be inequitable to impose a penalty for failure to replace a ball moved by an outside agency as required by Rule 18-1 if neither the player nor his caddie knew the ball had been moved. Accordingly, the score made with the moved ball would stand.

18-1/4  Spectator Says Ball Was Moved by Outside Agency But Player Not Sure

Q. A spectator tells a player that his ball has been moved by an outside agency. Neither the player nor his caddie was aware the ball had been moved. Is the player obliged to take the spectator’s word and replace the ball on the spot from which the spectator said it was moved?

A. No. In stroke play, if it is impractical to get a decision from the Committee, the player should, under Rule 3-3, hole out both with the original ball and a second ball played from the spot from which the original ball is alleged to have been moved, and request the Committee to decide the matter at the end of the round. In reaching a decision, the Committee should interrogate the spectator, if possible.

In match play, if there is no referee or representative of the Committee available within a reasonable time, the player and his opponent should, if possible, agree on the place from which the player should play his next stroke. If agreement cannot be reached, the player must proceed as he thinks best, and if the opponent does not agree with the action taken, he should lodge a claim under Rule 2-5 so that the Committee may make a decision under Rule 34-3.

18-1/5  Ball Stolen by Outside Agency from Unknown Spot

Q. At a par-3 hole, part of the green and the adjoining area cannot be seen from the tee. In this unseen area are a bunker, fairway and a dry water hazard.

A player plays towards this obscured area and cannot tell where the ball comes to rest. When the players are near the green, they see a boy running away with a ball in his hand. The boy throws the ball back and the player identifies it as his ball.

The player is unable to determine from where to play his next stroke under Rule 18-1. He does not know whether the ball was on the green, on the fairway or in one of the hazards.

How should he proceed?

A. As it was impossible to know where the ball should have been replaced under Rule 18-1, the player should, in equity (Rule 1-4), drop the ball in an area which was neither the most, nor the least, favorable of the various areas where it was equally possible that the ball originally lay.

18-1/6  Ball at Rest Moved by Blowing Tumbleweed

Q. A tumbleweed blowing across the course strikes a ball at rest and knocks it into the hole. What is the procedure?

A. In the circumstances, a tumbleweed is an outside agency. Rule 18-1 applies and the ball must be replaced without penalty.

18-1/7  Ball in Plastic Bag Moves When Bag Blown to New Position by Wind

Q. A player’s ball comes to rest in a plastic bag that is lying on the ground. Before the player can invoke Rule 24-1b, a gust of wind blows the bag and the ball to a new position. In proceeding under Rule 24-1b, should the player drop the ball directly under the place where it originally lay in the bag or where it now lies in the bag?

A. Wind is not an outside agency. However, if an object being moved by the wind moves a ball, the object is an outside agency in the circumstances — see Decision 18-1/6.

In this case, the bag, not the wind, caused the ball to move. Accordingly, under Rules 18-1 and 24-1b, the player must drop the ball directly under the place where it originally lay in the bag.

18-1/8  Ball Moved by Stone Dislodged by Partner’s or Opponent’s Stroke

Q. In match play, a player played a stroke and dislodged a large stone. The stone struck his partner’s or an opponent’s ball which was lying about four yards ahead and moved it. What is the ruling?

A. The stone was an outside agency and Rule 18-1 applies. The partner or opponent must replace his ball.

In the circumstances, the player should not be held to have moved the ball. Accordingly, Rules 18-2a(i) and 18-3b are not applicable and no penalty is incurred.

Ball Moved by Loose Impediment From Practice Swing — See 18-2a/20.5.

18-1/9  Ball Lodged in Tree Knocked Down by Outside Agency

Q. A player’s ball is lodged in a tree about eight feet off the ground. A spectator knocks the ball down from the tree. In complying with Rule 18-1, it is impossible to replace the ball in the prescribed manner in the tree because the spot where it lay in the tree is unknown or unreachable. What is the ruling?

A. Rules 20-3c and -3d cover cases in which the spot where a ball is to be placed or replaced is not determinable or a ball fails to come to rest on the spot on which it is placed. However, these Rules do not contemplate a case such as this one. Thus, in equity (Rule 1-4), if the position of the ball in the tree was such that the player could have made a stroke at it, the ball must be placed in the tree as near as possible to the spot from which it was moved, without penalty. Otherwise, the player must proceed under the unplayable ball Rule.

18-1/10  Ball at Rest Kicked Away from Hole by Spectator Attending Flagstick

Q. In stroke play, a competitor asked a spectator to attend the flagstick. The competitor putted and his ball stopped one inch short of the hole. The spectator then kicked the ball away. What is the ruling?

A. There was no infringement of Rule 17-3b because the competitor’s ball had come to rest short of the hole. The spectator was not the competitor’s caddie and so he was an outside agency. Under Rule 18-1 the competitor was required to replace his ball and hole out without penalty.

18-1/11  Ball Moved by Wind or Casual Water While Play Suspended

Q. While play is suspended, wind or casual water moves a ball. Since wind or water is not an outside agency, must the ball be played from its new position?

A. No. The ball must be replaced — see Rule 6-8d(iii). If the spot is not determinable, it must be estimated and the ball placed on the estimated spot — See Note to Rule 6-8d(iii) and Exception to Rule 20-3c.

Ball Moved Accidentally by Player During Suspension of Play — See 18-2a/25.

Ball-Marker Moved Off Green by Wind or Casual Water While Play Suspended — See 20-1/10.

18-1/12  Ball Replaced and at Rest Is Thereafter Moved by Wind

Q. A player replaces his ball on the putting green and the ball is at rest. Before the player addresses the ball, a sudden gust of wind blows the ball farther from the hole. The player plays the ball from its new position. Is that correct?

A. Yes. Wind is not an outside agency — see Definition of “Outside Agency.” Accordingly, Rule 18-1 does not apply.

18-2a/1 Player Who Misses Tee Shot Tees Ball Lower Before Making Next Stroke

Q. A player playing from the teeing ground misses the ball completely. He pushes his tee further into the ground and plays. What is the ruling?

A. When the player made a stroke, the ball was in play (see Definition of “Ball in Play”). By pushing the tee further into the ground, he moved the ball and incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and was required to replace it. However, when the player made a stroke at the ball without replacing it, he played under penalty of stroke and distance (see Rule 27-1a). This procedure overrides Rule 18-2a and, therefore, the penalty under Rule 18-2a does not apply. (Revised)

18-2a/2 Ball Falling Off Tee When Stroke Just Touches It Is Picked Up and Re-Teed

Q. A player making his first stroke on a hole just touched the ball and it fell off the tee. He picked up the ball, re-teed it and played out the hole. What is the ruling?

A. When the player made a stroke, the ball was in play (see Definition of “Ball in Play”). When he lifted the ball, he incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and was required to replace it. However, when the player made a stroke at the re-teed ball, he played a ball under penalty of stroke and distance (see Rule 27-1a). This procedure overrides Rule 18-2a and, therefore, the penalty under Rule 18-2a does not apply. (Revised)

Ball Putted from Wrong Place Lifted and Putted from Right Place — See 20-7c/2.

18-2a/3  Ball Lifted and Dropped Away from Boundary Stake Under Obstruction Rule

Q. A player’s swing is interfered with by a stake defining out of bounds. The player mistakenly considers the stake an obstruction and he lifts his ball and drops it in the manner prescribed in Rule 24-2b. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and he must replace his ball before playing his next stroke. Otherwise, he loses the hole in match play or he incurs a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

Dropped Ball Comes to Rest and Then Rolls Out of Bounds — See 20-2c/3.5.

18-2a/4  Ball Lifted and Dropped Away from Movable Obstruction

Q. A player’s ball comes to rest against a movable obstruction. The player lifts the ball and drops it away from the obstruction instead of removing the obstruction as provided in Rule 24-1. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and he must replace his ball before playing his next stroke. Otherwise, he loses the hole in match play or he incurs a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

18-2a/5 Ball in Hazard Moves After Loose Impediment Outside Hazard Moved

Q. A player’s ball lies in a hazard. He moves a loose impediment which lies outside the hazard but is near the ball. Before the player addresses the ball, it moves. Is the player penalized?

A. It is a question of fact whether the player caused the ball to move. If he did so, he incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced. Otherwise, the ball is played as it lies without penalty.

18-2a/6  Oscillating Ball Pressed into Surface of Putting Green

Q. A ball lying on the putting green was oscillating due to wind. The player firmly pressed the ball into the surface of the green and the ball stopped oscillating. The player then holed out. Was the player in breach of the Rules?

A. Yes. The player incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a when he moved his ball by pressing on it. Since the original lie of the ball was altered when the ball was firmly pressed down, the player was obliged to proceed under Rule 20-3b. Since he did not do so, he lost the hole in match play and incurred a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

18-2a/7  Ball Moved by Wind Replaced

Q. In stroke play, a competitor’s ball was moved by wind. Since wind is not an outside agency (see Definition of “Outside Agency”), he should have played it from where it came to rest, but he replaced it. What is the ruling?

A. The competitor incurred one penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a, and, before playing his next stroke, he should have replaced the ball on the spot where it came to rest after being moved by the wind. If he did not do so, he incurred a total penalty of two strokes — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

18-2a/8  Ball Played from Ground Under Repair Picked Up and Relief Taken Under Ground Under Repair Rule

Q. A player, unaware that his ball was in ground under repair, played the ball as it lay. The player then learned that his ball had been in ground under repair, picked up the ball played from the ground under repair, dropped it in accordance with Rule 25-1b and played out the hole. What is the ruling?

A. When the player played from the ground under repair, which is permissible, relief under Rule 25-1b was no longer available and the ball was in play where it lay.

When the player picked up his ball in play, he incurred a penalty stroke — Rule 18-2a. Since he did not replace the ball, he incurred a penalty of loss of hole in match play or a total penalty of two strokes in stroke play — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

Provisional Ball Lifted in Erroneous Belief Original Ball Is in Bounds — See 27-2b/8.

Provisional Ball Lifted Subsequently Becomes Ball in Play — See 27-2b/9.

Provisional Ball Lifted Subsequently Becomes Ball in Play; Competitor Then Plays from Wrong Place — See 27-2b/10.

18-2a/8.5 Ball Played from Ground Under Repair Abandoned and Relief Taken Under Ground Under Repair Rule

Q. In Decision 18-2a/8, the player picked up the ball played from ground under repair and played it from another spot. What would be the ruling if the player abandoned the original ball by dropping and playing another ball under ground under repair procedures?

A. After the player played from ground under repair, which is permissible, relief under Rule 25-1b was no longer available, and the player was required to play his ball as it lay (Rule 13-1). When he dropped the other ball, he was substituting a ball and that ball became the ball in play (Rule 20-4).

If the location of the original ball was known at the time the substituted ball was dropped, the substitution was not permitted. When he did not correct his error as provided in Rule 20-6 and made a stroke at the wrongly substituted ball, he was in breach of Rule 15-2 as well as Rule 20-7 for playing from a wrong place and the applicable Rule is Rule 13-1. In match play, he incurred a penalty of loss of hole (Rule 15-2 or 20-7b). In stroke play, he incurred a penalty of two strokes for playing from a wrong place (Rule 20-7c). There is no additional penalty for incorrectly substituting a ball (see Exception to Rule 15-2).

If the location of the original ball was not known at the time the substituted ball was dropped, he was required to proceed under
Rule 27-1, in which case the substitution was permitted. Since the substituted ball was not dropped at the spot required by Rule 27-1, he played from a wrong place. In match play, he incurred a penalty of loss of hole (Rule 20-7b). In stroke play, he incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 27-1 and an additional penalty of two strokes under
Rule 20-7c for playing from a wrong place. If the breach was a serious one, he is subject to disqualification unless he corrected his error as provided in Rule 20-7c. (Revised)

Ball Played Under Rule for Ball Lost in Ground Under Repair After Another Ball Played Under Stroke-and-Distance Procedure — See 15/8.

Ball Dropped and Played Under Ground Under Repair Rule in Absence of Knowledge or Virtual Certainty That Original Ball in Ground Under Repair — See 25-1c/2.

18-2a/9  Ball Lifted Without Authority Dropped Instead of Being Replaced

Q. A player lifted his ball without being entitled to under the Rules and incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a. He then learned of his error, dropped the ball at the spot from which it was lifted instead of replacing it as required by Rule 18-2a, and played it. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurred a penalty of loss of hole in match play or a total of two strokes in stroke play — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

18-2a/10  Dropped Ball Lifted and Re-Dropped When It Should Have Been Played as It Lay; Ball Then Lifted Again and
Placed

Q. In stroke play, a competitor whose ball was in a lateral water hazard elected to take relief under Rule 26-1c(i). When a ball was dropped, it rolled toward the hole but came to rest not more than two club-lengths from where it first struck the ground and not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard.

Incorrectly believing that Rule 20-2c applied, the competitor lifted the ball and re-dropped it, whereupon the ball rolled toward the hole as before. The competitor again lifted the ball, placed it where it first struck the ground when re-dropped and played his next stroke. Is the competitor penalized two strokes or four strokes?

A. Two strokes. The ball when first dropped was in play — see Rule 20-4. The competitor was in breach of Rule 18-2a when he lifted it. Because the competitor failed to replace his ball at the spot at which it came to rest when first dropped, he incurred a total penalty of two strokes —
see penalty statement under Rule 18.

Player Breaches Rules More Than Once Prior to Stroke; Whether Multiple Penalties Applied — See 1-4/12.

18-2a/11 Tee Shot Wrongly Thought to Be Out of Bounds Lifted; Competitor Plays Another Ball from Tee

Q. In stroke play, a competitor hits his tee shot into a practice area. Thinking that the ball is out of bounds, he lifts it and plays another ball from the tee. He then discovers that the practice area is not out of bounds. What is the ruling?

A. When the player lifted his ball in play, he incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and was required to replace it. However, when the player made a stroke from where the previous stroke was made (Rule 20-5), he played a ball under penalty of stroke and distance (see Rule 27-1a). This procedure overrides Rule 18-2a and, therefore, the penalty under Rule 18-2a does not apply. (Revised)

18-2a/12  Player Entitled to Relief from Condition Lifts Ball; Player Then Replaces Ball and Plays It from Original
Position

Q. A player elects to take relief from an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition and lifts his ball. He then realizes that the only area in which he may drop under the Rules is such that his ball, when dropped, will almost certainly be unplayable. He replaces his ball and plays it from its original position. What is the ruling?

A. The player was entitled to lift the ball to take relief under Rule 24 or 25. However, by subsequently deciding not to take relief, his right to lift the ball was negated and he incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for having lifted his ball in play.

Player Unaware Ball in Water Hazard Takes Relief from Interference by Burrowing Animal Hole — See 25-1b/26.

18-2a/12.5 Player Entitled to Relief Without Penalty from Condition Lifts Ball; Chooses Not to Take Relief and Wishes
to Proceed Under the Unplayable Ball Rule

Q. A player elects to take relief from an immovable obstruction or abnormal ground condition and lifts his ball. He then realizes that the only area in which he may drop under the Rules is such that his ball, when dropped, will almost certainly be unplayable. May the player deem the ball unplayable and proceed under Rule 28?

A. Yes. The player has the following options:

1. replace the ball in its original position under penalty of one stroke (Rule 18-2a) and then proceed under Rule 28, incurring an additional penalty of one stroke; or

2. proceed directly under Rule 28b or c, without replacing the ball and using the spot where the ball originally lay as the reference point for the relief procedure, incurring a penalty stroke under Rule 28 and an additional penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a; or

3. drop the ball in accordance with Rule 24 or 25 and then, using its new position as a reference point, proceed under Rule 28 incurring a penalty of one stroke; or

4. proceed directly under Rule 28a, without dropping the ball in accordance with Rule 24 or 25, incurring a penalty of one stroke under Rule 28 and no penalty under Rule 18-2a, as he does not need to establish a new reference point before proceeding under Rule 28a.

18-2a/13  Ball Lifted Without Authority and Cleaned

Q. A player’s ball comes to rest on the apron of a green. Mistakenly believing that the ball is on the green, the player marks, lifts and cleans it. The player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for lifting the ball without authority under the Rules. Does the player incur an additional penalty stroke under Rule 21 for cleaning the ball?

A. No. Rule 21 states that a ball may be cleaned when lifted except when it has been lifted in accordance with Rule 5-3, 12-2 or 22.

Player Lifts Ball Without Authority Due to Misunderstanding Committee Member’s Instructions — See 34-3/3.5.

18-2a/13.5  Ball Lifted and Thrown into Pond in Anger

Q. A player played a poor shot and his ball came to rest through the green near a lake. In anger, the player lifted his ball and threw it into the lake from where it could not be retrieved. The player placed another ball on the spot from which the original ball was lifted and holed out. What is the ruling?

A. Although Note 1 to Rule 18 states “If a ball to be replaced under this Rule is not immediately recoverable, another ball may be substituted,” as the player’s ball became irrecoverable only due to the player’s subsequent actions after his breach of Rule 18-2a, the Note is not applicable.

The player lost the hole in match play -- Rule 15-2.

In stroke play, the player incurred the general penalty of two strokes under Rule 18 for incorrectly substituting a ball, but there is no additional penalty for lifting the ball without authority (see Rule 15-2 and the penalty statement under Rule 18). (Revised)

Player Substitutes Another Ball on Putting Green Because Original Ball Thrown to Caddie for Cleaning Came to Rest in Lake — See 15-2/1.

18-2a/14  Caddie on Own Initiative Lifts Ball for Identification

Q. During search for A’s ball, A’s caddie found a ball and lifted it for identification without the authority of A and without A’s announcing in advance his intention to do so. The ball was identified as A’s. What is the ruling?

A. Since the ball was lifted other than in accordance with the Rules, Rule 18-2a applies and A incurs a penalty of one stroke. Rule 18-2a overrides Rule 12-2 in the circumstances. Accordingly, an additional penalty of one stroke under Rule 12-2 for failing to announce the intention to lift the ball for identification purposes is not applicable.

Caddie Lifts Ball in Water Hazard Without Player’s Authority — See 26-1/9.

18-2a/15  Caddie on Own Initiative Lifts Ball Considering It Unplayable

Q. A player’s caddie, considering the player’s ball to be in an unplayable lie, lifted the ball before the player had an opportunity to inspect the lie. What is the ruling?

A. A player’s caddie may not deem the player’s ball to be unplayable (Rule 28). Therefore, the player incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a when the caddie lifted the ball. The player may replace the ball and play it or invoke the unplayable ball Rule (Rule 28). If the player invokes Rule 28, he may choose to estimate the original location of the ball rather than replace it, but in either case, by invoking Rule 28, the player incurs an additional penalty of one stroke under that Rule.

18-2a/16  Competitor’s Ball Picked Up by Fellow-Competitor at Competitor’s Request

Q. A competitor, mistakenly thinking his ball in play in the rough was a wrong ball, asked his fellow-competitor to pick up the ball. The fellow-competitor did so and then the error was discovered. Is the competitor subject to penalty under Rule 18-2a or exempt from penalty by virtue of Rule 18-4?

A. Because the lifting of the ball by the fellow-competitor was at the request of the competitor, it would not be correct to exonerate the competitor under Rule 18-4.

The competitor incurred a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a and he was required to replace his ball.

18-2a/17  Towel Dropped by Player Is Blown onto and Moves Ball

Q. A player dropped a towel on the ground. The wind blew the towel onto the player’s ball and moved it. What is the ruling?

A. As the player’s equipment caused the ball to move, the player incurred a penalty stroke and must replace the ball — Rule 18-2a.

Ball Blown into Hole by Competitor Not Replaced and Holed Out — See 3-2/2.

18-2a/18  Opponent’s Ball Knocked Away by Player After Concession Moves Player’s Ball

Q. In singles match play, A concedes B’s next stroke and knocks B’s ball away. B’s ball in motion moves A’s ball. What is the ruling?

A. As A caused his own ball to move, he incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a, and he must replace his ball.

18-2a/19  Ball Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing Prior to Tee Shot

Q. Before playing from the teeing ground, a player took a practice swing, in the course of which he accidentally struck and moved the teed ball with his club. Did the player play a stroke or incur a penalty?

A. The player did not make a stroke — see Definition of “Stroke.” Since the ball was not in play — see Definition of “Ball in Play” — he incurred no penalty under Rule 18-2a. The player must put a ball into play from the teeing ground.

18-2a/20  Ball in Play Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing

Q. A player makes a practice swing and accidentally moves his ball in play with his club. Has he made a stroke?

A. No. He had no intention of moving the ball — see Definition of “Stroke.”

However, he incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball in play, and the ball must be replaced.

Player Instinctively Throws Putter at Ball and Moves It — See 1-2/4.5.

Player Kicks Ball While Probing for It in Water in Water Hazard — See 12-1/5.

Club Breaks During Downswing; Swing Stopped But Clubhead Falls and Moves Ball — See 14/4.

Ball Accidentally Kicked by Player Asked to Lift It Due to Interference — See 20-1/13.

Ball Moved by Putter Dropped by Player Approaching Ball to Lift It — See 20-1/14.

Ball Moved by Ball-Marker Dropped Accidentally by Player — See 20-1/15.

Ball Moved in Removing Ball-Marker After Replacing Ball — See 20-3a/1.

18-2a/20.5 Loose Impediment Dislodged by Player’s Practice Swing Moves Ball

Q. In making a practice swing, a player dislodges a loose impediment (e.g., a stone), which causes his ball in play to move. What is the ruling?

A. The loose impediment is an outside agency; however, as the player’s actions caused his ball in play to move, he incurs a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a and must replace the ball.

If the loose impediment had moved the ball of another player, then the relevant part of Rule 18 would apply (e.g., Rule 18-3b in the case of an opponent’s ball in play).

This ruling differs from that in Decision 18-1/8 as the loose impediment in this case was dislodged due to an optional act (a practice swing) rather than a necessary act (a stroke). (New)

18-2a/21  Ball Moved Accidentally by Player in Playing Wrong Ball

Q. In stroke play, in a bunker, A plays a wrong ball. In so doing, he accidentally moves a nearby ball, which turns out to be his ball. What is the ruling if (a) the nearby ball was visible before A played the wrong ball or (b) the nearby ball was not visible before A played the wrong ball?

A. If the nearby ball was visible before A played, A incurs a two-stroke penalty for playing a wrong ball (Rule 15-3b), and is also in breach of Rule 18-2a for moving his ball in play (a one-stroke penalty). However, as a single act (playing the wrong ball) has resulted in two Rules being breached, a single penalty is applied (see principle 2 in Decision 1-4/12). Therefore, A incurs a two- stroke penalty under Rule 15-3b and he must replace his ball on the spot from which it was moved (Rule 18-2a). If the lie has been altered, it must be re-created as required by Rule 20-3b. If the ball is not replaced correctly before A makes his next stroke, the failure to replace the ball is considered a separate act and he incurs an additional penalty of two strokes (Rule 18-2a).

If the nearby ball was not visible before A played, A incurs a two-stroke penalty for playing a wrong ball (Rule 15-3b). In equity (Rule 1-4), there would be no penalty under Rule 18-2a, but the ball must be replaced, and if necessary, the lie re-created. If the ball is not replaced correctly before A makes his next stroke, the failure to replace the ball is considered a separate act and he incurs a total penalty of four strokes (Rules 15-3b and 18-2a). (Revised)

Ball Moved by Stone Dislodged by Partner’s Stroke — See 18-1/8.

Caddie Shared by Members of Opposite Sides in Four-Ball Match Moves Ball — See 30/1.

Player’s Ball Moved by Partner in Playing His Own Ball — See 30-3f/9.

18-2a/21.3  Ball Moved Accidentally and Original Lie Altered; Player Places Ball in Wrong Place and Plays

Q. A player accidentally steps on his ball in the rough and pushes it into the ground, incurring a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a. The original lie of the ball was known and, instead of placing the ball in the nearest most similar lie within one club-length of the original lie as required by Rule 20-3b, the player places the ball almost two club-lengths away from the original lie and makes his next stroke.

In match play, it is clear that the player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 18 or Rule 20-3b, and loses the hole.

In stroke play, does the player incur an additional penalty of two strokes for a breach of Rule 20-3b or a total penalty of two strokes under Rule 18?

A. In stroke play, the player incurs a total penalty of two strokes under Rule 18.

Rule 18 requires replacement of a ball moved accidentally. If some other Rule — in this case Rule 20-3b — requires a moved ball to be placed somewhere else, the player is considered to be in breach of Rule 18 if he places the ball other than as prescribed by the other Rule. (Revised)

18-2a/21.5  Ball Moved Accidentally; Spot Where Ball Originally Lay Not Determinable; Player Places Ball Instead of
Dropping It

Q. A player accidentally moves his ball in the rough, incurring a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a. The spot where the ball originally lay is not determinable. Instead of dropping the ball as near as possible to the spot where it originally lay as required by Rule 20-3c, the player places the ball as near as possible to that spot and plays his next stroke.

In match play, it is clear that the player incurs the general penalty for a breach of Rule 18 or 20-3c and loses the hole.

In stroke play, does the player incur an additional penalty of two strokes for a breach of Rule 20-3c or a total penalty of two strokes under Rule 18?

A. In stroke play, the player incurs a total penalty of two strokes under Rule 18 — see Decision 18-2a/21.3.

18-2a/22  Ball Moved Accidentally by Backward Movement of Club After Stroke Misses; Ball Comes to Rest Out of Bounds

Q. A player misses a shot completely and, in swinging his club back, he accidentally knocks his ball backwards. Was the backward swing a stroke? If the ball comes to rest out of bounds, how does the player proceed?

A. The backward swing was not a stroke. A stroke is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball — see Definition of “Stroke.”

In addition to counting the missed stroke, the player incurs a penalty stroke for moving his ball with the backward swing (Rule 18-2a), and the ball must be replaced. The fact that the ball lay out of bounds is irrelevant.

18-2a/23  Ball Knocked from Lip of Hole in Disgust

Q. In stroke play, a competitor’s ball stops on the lip of the hole. In disgust the competitor knocks his ball off the green with the back of his putter. What is the ruling?

A. The competitor must replace the ball under penalty of one stroke — Rule 18-2a. The competitor is not considered to have made a stroke.

Player Jumps Close to Hole to Cause Ball to Drop and Ball Moves — See 1-2/4.

Ball Stopped by Player’s Foot Moves When Foot Removed — See 19-2/1.

Ball Moves Prior to Address and Is Accidentally Stopped by Player’s Club; Player Removes Club and Ball Rolls Away — See 19-2/1.5.

[18-2a/24 Reserved]

18-2a/25 Ball Moved Accidentally by Player During Suspension of Play

Q. During a suspension of play, a player elects to leave his ball in position on the course. Prior to the resumption of play, the player accidentally causes his ball to move (e.g., he drops his club on the ball). What is the ruling?

A. Although play was suspended when the player accidentally moved his ball, the ball was in play (see Definition of “Ball in Play”). Therefore, the player incurred a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced.

Ball Visible from Tee Disappears or Is Moved While Play Suspended — See 6-8d/4.

Ball Moved by Wind or Casual Water While Play Suspended — See 18-1/11.

Ball-Marker Moved Off Green by Wind or Casual Water While Play Suspended — See 20-1/10.

18-2a/26  Ball Dislodged from Tree When Player Climbs Tree to Play Stroke

Q. As a player is climbing a tree to play a ball lodged in the tree, the ball falls to the ground. Does the player incur a penalty?

A. Yes, one stroke under Rule 18-2a, and the ball must be replaced.

18-2a/27  Ball Dislodged from Tree; Circumstances in Which Player Not Penalized

Q. A player whose ball is lodged high in a tree wishes to dislodge it by shaking the tree or throwing a club so that he can identify it and proceed under the unplayable ball Rule. Is this permissible?

A. Yes. The player should state his intention before taking such action to avoid any question being raised as to whether a penalty would be incurred under Rule 18-2a.

18-2a/27.5 Player Who States He Will Proceed Under Unplayable Ball Rule Subsequently Assesses Possibility of Playing
Ball as It Lies

Q. A player’s ball is in a bad lie and in such a position that he considers that he may move the ball in breach of Rule 18-2a when he gets close to it. As provided in Decision 18-2a/27, the player may protect himself against penalty by stating that he will proceed under Rule 28. The player makes such an announcement, but, upon reaching the area where his ball lies and finding that the ball did not move, takes a club and begins to assess the possibility of playing the ball as it lies. What would be the ruling if the player then accidentally caused the ball to move?

A. Despite the fact that the player has stated that he intends to proceed under Rule 28, if it becomes clear from the player’s actions that he is considering playing the ball as it lies, the Committee should rule that the player’s intention to deem the ball unplayable has ceased and, therefore, the player would incur a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a if he thereafter caused his ball to move. (New)

18-2a/28  Ball Dislodged from Tree; Circumstances in Which Player Penalized

Q. A player could not find his ball. Believing the ball might be lodged in a tree, he shook the tree and his ball fell to the ground. He played the ball from where it came to rest. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurred one penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball. He should have replaced the ball. Since he did not do so, in match play he lost the hole and in stroke play he incurred a total penalty of two strokes — see penalty statement under Rule 18.

18-2a/29  Ball Dislodged from Tree; Replacement of Ball Not Possible

Q. A player, believing his ball is lodged in a tree, shakes the tree in order to dislodge it. His ball falls to the ground. According to Decision 18-2a/28, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-2a and must replace his ball. Suppose, however, that the player cannot replace his ball either:

(1) because the spot where it lay in the tree is not determinable, or

(2) because the ball fails to remain on the correct spot when replaced, or

(3) because the player cannot reach the spot where the ball lay.

How should the player proceed in each of these three circumstances?

A. Rules 20-3c and -3d would normally cover circumstances (1) and (2), but these Rules do not contemplate a situation such as the one described. Accordingly, in equity (Rule 1-4), in the first two circumstances the ball must be placed in the tree as near as possible to the spot from which it was moved, and in the third circumstance the player must proceed under the unplayable ball Rule, incurring an additional penalty stroke.

Striking at Tree Branch to Move Ball Lodged Higher in Branch — See 14/7.

18-2a/30  Ball Moves After Player Takes Several Practice Swings Near Ball and Touches Grass Behind Ball

Q. A player took several practice swings about one foot from his ball which was lying in light rough, and his club came in contact with the ground. He then took his stance, touched grass behind the ball with the clubhead but did not ground the club. At that point the ball moved.

The player claimed that no penalty was incurred because he had not addressed the ball. However, the Committee judged that the practice swings and the touching of the grass behind the ball caused the ball to move, and therefore the player incurred a penalty stroke under Rule
18-2a. Was the Committee correct?

A. It is a question of fact whether the player caused his ball to move and thus incurred a penalty under Rule 18-2a. Because of the practice swings and touching of the grass, the weight of evidence is against the player and therefore the Committee’s decision was correct.

18-2a/30.5 Ball Moves After Removal of Loose Impediment Near Ball

Q. Through the green, a player’s ball moves after the player removed a loose impediment near, but not touching, the ball. What is the ruling?

A. It is a question of fact whether the player caused his ball to move and thus incurred a penalty under Rule 18-2a. The Committee should evaluate all the evidence and make a decision based on the weight of that evidence. The Committee should consider a number of factors, including the proximity of the loose impediment to the ball, the force and means with which the loose impediment was removed, the presence of a strong wind and the delay, if any, between the removal of the loose impediment and the movement of the ball. Any doubt as to whether the player caused the ball to move should be resolved against the player.

18-2a/31  Ball Touched Accidentally in Removing Loose Impediments

Q. In removing loose impediments from the vicinity of his ball lying through the green, the player accidentally touches the ball with his hand but does not move it. Is there any penalty?

A. No. Under Rule 18-2a there is only a penalty if the player, his partner or either of their caddies purposely touches the player’s ball; it may be touched accidentally provided it does not move.

Ball in Hazard Moves After Loose Impediment Outside Hazard Moved — See 18-2a/5.

Ball Moved Accidentally by Foot During Removal of Loose Impediment on Putting Green — See 23-1/11.

Holding Ball in Place While Removing Obstruction — See 24-1/4.

18-2a/32  Ball Touched with Fir Cone or Stick to Prevent Movement When Loose Impediments Removed

Q. A player placed a fir cone or stick against his ball to prevent the ball from moving when he moved some loose impediments. Is this permissible?

A. No. The player purposely touched his ball in play, contrary to Rule 18-2a, and incurred a penalty of one stroke.

Touching and Rotating Half-Buried Ball in Rough for Identification Purposes — See 12-2/2.

18-2a/33  Rotating Ball on Putting Green Without Marking Position

Q. A player rotates his ball on the putting green to line up the trademark with the hole. He did not lift the ball, mark its position or change its position. Is there a penalty?

A. Yes, one stroke for touching the ball other than as provided for in the Rules — Rule 18-2a. Under Rules 16-1b and 20-1, a ball on the putting green may be lifted (or touched and rotated) after its position has been marked. If the player had marked the position of the ball before rotating it, there would have been no penalty.

18-2b/1  Ball Moves After Stance Taken But Before Address

Q. Outside a hazard, the player took his stance but did not ground his club. The ball moved. What is the ruling?

A. As the player had not addressed the ball, he did not incur a penalty under Rule 18-2b (see Definition of “Addressing the Ball”).

If, however, the player caused the ball to move, he was subject to penalty and the ball should have been replaced — Rule 18-2a.

18-2b/2  Ball Moves After Stance Taken in Hazard Without Club

Q. A player enters a hazard without a club and positions his feet for the purpose of determining how he wishes to play the shot. Has he taken his stance (and thus addressed the ball) so that, if the ball thereafter moves, he is subject to penalty under Rule 18-2b?

A. Yes. See Decision 13-4/24.

18-2b/3  Ball Moves While Player in Process of Taking Stance in Bunker

Q. In a bunker, a player’s ball moved when he was in the process of, but had not completed, taking his stance. What is the ruling?

A. Since the ball moved before the player had addressed it (see Definition of “Addressing the Ball”), the player incurred no penalty under Rule 18-2b.

If, however, the player’s approach to the ball or the act of taking his stance caused the ball to move, the player incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced.

When Stance Taken in Bunker — See 13-4/23.

Ball Moves in Water Hazard After Address — See 14-6/1.

18-2b/4  Ball Moves After Player Grounds Club But Before Stance Completed

Q. A player’s routine prior to making a stroke is as follows: He first grounds the club directly behind the ball with his feet together. Then he gradually widens his feet to shoulder width. At that point, he makes the stroke.

If the ball moves after he grounds the club but before he widens his stance to shoulder width, does he incur a penalty stroke under
Rule 18-2b (Ball Moving After Address)?

A. No. A player has not addressed the ball until he completes taking his stance, i.e., his feet are essentially in the position in which he normally places them when making a stroke.

However, if the ball moved after the club was grounded but before the player had completed taking his stance, he incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for having caused the ball to move and must replace the ball, unless there is strong evidence that wind or some other agency caused the ball to move. (Revised)

18-2b/5  When Club Grounded in Grass

Q. When is a club considered grounded in long grass?

A. When the grass is compressed to the point where it will support the weight of the club.

18-2b/5.5  Placing Clubhead on Ground in Front of Ball When Addressing

Q. A player takes his stance and places his clubhead on the ground in front of the ball without pressing anything down. Before the player grounds the club behind the ball, the ball moves. Has the player “addressed the ball” so that he is subject to penalty under Rule 18-2b?

A. Yes.

18-2b/5.7  When Player Who Putts “Side-Saddle” Has Addressed Ball

Q. A player who putts “side-saddle” usually stands directly behind the ball, places the clubhead on the ground behind the ball and aligns the clubhead. The player then moves to the side so as not to infringe Rule 16-1e and makes his stroke. When is the player deemed to have addressed the ball?

A. The player has addressed the ball when he moves to the side. The player has not placed his feet in position for a stroke, and therefore has not taken his stance, until he has moved to the side, and a ball is not addressed until a player has taken his stance.

18-2b/6  Ball Perched on Heather Moves When Club Rested on Heather

Q. A’s ball is perched on a tuft of heather. He takes his stance and rests his club on the heather behind the ball. The ball moves. What is the ruling?

A. Resting the club on heather or grass behind the ball constitutes grounding it. Accordingly, A had addressed the ball and Rule 18-2b applies. A incurs a penalty stroke and must replace his ball.

18-2b/7  Ball Moves After Player Addresses It and Then Steps Away

Q. A player takes his stance and grounds his club. Realizing that the ball is precariously balanced and may move, he steps away from the ball and starts again. This time he does not ground his club, but before he strikes the ball, it moves. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2b, and the ball must be replaced.

18-2b/8  Player Addresses Ball, Steps Away, Lifts Ball and Replaces It; Ball Then Moves

Q. On the putting green, a player addressed the ball. He stepped away from the ball, marked its position and lifted it. He then replaced the ball and, before he addressed it, the ball moved. Since the ball was lifted and out of play after it was addressed, was the player subject to penalty under Rule 18-2b when it moved after it was put back into play?

A. No. The ball must be played as it lies. Once the ball has been lifted the presumption inherent in the Rule that the act of addressing the ball caused the ball to move is no longer valid.

Ball Dropped in Improper Manner Moves When Addressed; Player Then Lifts Ball and Drops It in Proper Manner — See 20-2a/4.

After Ball Addressed on Putting Green Ball Moved in Removal of Loose Impediment — See 23-1/12.

18-2b/9  Ball Moves After Address and Comes to Rest Out of Bounds; Player Plays Ball

Q. A player’s ball in play is lying on a slope. When he addresses the ball, it moves and comes to rest out of bounds. He then plays the ball from out of bounds. What is the ruling?

A. When the player’s ball in play moved after he had addressed it, he was required to replace the ball, with a penalty stroke, under Rule 18-2b. However, by making a stroke at the ball lying out of bounds, the player has played a wrong ball (Decision 15/6).

In match play, the player loses the hole (Rule 15-3a).

In stroke play, the player incurs a penalty of two strokes under Rule 15-3b and must correct the error. He must place a ball on the spot where the original ball lay before it moved after address, incurring an additional penalty of one stroke as prescribed by Rule 18-2b, for a total penalty of three strokes. If he does not correct the error, he is disqualified. (Revised)

18-2b/10 Ball Falls into Hole After Being Addressed

Q. A player’s ball overhangs the lip of the hole. He addresses the ball and it falls into the hole. What is the ruling?

A. The ball is not holed. The player incurs a penalty stroke and the ball must be replaced. Although Rule 16-2 applies when a player’s ball overhangs the lip of the hole, Rule 18-2b, which specifically applies when a player’s ball moves after he has addressed it, overrides Rule 16-2 in this case.

If the player does not replace the ball and hole out, in stroke play he is disqualified under Rule 3-2.

18-2b/11 Ball Moved By Another Agency After Address

Q. After a player has addressed his ball in play, some other agency (e.g., a ball played by another player) strikes and moves the player’s ball. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurs no penalty under Rule 18-2b. Whenever an agency directly causes a ball to move, the Rule applicable to that agency (e.g., Rule 18-1, 18-2a, 18-3, 18-4 or 18-5) overrides another Rule where a player is deemed to have moved the ball (e.g., Rule 18-2b).

18-2b/12  Ball Moves After Address and Is Stopped by Player’s Club

Q. After a player addresses his ball, the ball moves backward. Before the player can remove his club, the ball is stopped by the clubhead. What is the ruling?

A. The player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2b and the ball must be replaced. Rule 19-2 does not apply in these circumstances.

Player Purposely Stops Ball; Where Next Stroke Must Be Made — See 1-2/5.5.

Other Decisions Relating to Rule 18-2b:

Stroke Misses Ball; Ball Then Accidentally Knocked Off Tee — See 11-3/1.

Ball Addressed; Club Breaks on Downswing; Swing Stopped But Clubhead Falls and Moves Ball — See 14/4.

Provisional Ball Moves After Being Addressed — See 15/7.

Ball in Rough Moves Downward When Addressed; Ball Will Not Remain at Rest When Replaced — See 20-3d/3.

Order of Play in Foursome Match If Player Accidentally Moves Ball After Address — See 29-1/5.

Player Proceeds on Basis of Ruling; Subsequent Facts Prove Ruling to Be Incorrect — See 34-3/7.

Player Proceeds on Basis of Ruling; Player’s Version of Facts Subsequently Found to Be Incorrect — See 34-3/8.

18-3b/1  Ball Moved Accidentally by Opponent in Playing His Own Ball

Q. In singles match play, A’s ball is lying close to B’s. It is B’s turn to play. Although B has the right under Rule 22-2 to require A to mark and lift his ball, he fails to do so. In making a stroke at his ball, B causes A’s ball to move. What is the procedure?

A. B incurs a penalty of one stroke under Rule 18-3b for moving A’s ball and A must replace his ball. If A’s lie has been altered, Rule 20-3b applies.

Ball Moved by Stone Dislodged by Opponent’s Stroke — See 18-1/8.

18-3b/2  Opponent’s Stroke Disturbs Bushes Causing Player’s Ball to Move

Q. In playing a stroke, an opponent disturbed some bushes, causing the player’s ball to move. What is the ruling?

A. The opponent incurs a penalty stroke (Rule 18-3b) and the player must replace his ball.

18-3b/3  Ball Accidentally Stepped on and Moved by Opponent’s Caddie

Q. The opponent’s caddie accidentally stepped on the player’s ball and moved it. What is the ruling?

A. The opponent incurs a one-stroke penalty (Rule 18-3b) unless the caddie was searching for the ball, in which case there would be no penalty — Rule 18-3a.

18-3b/4 Opponent’s Caddie Lifts Player’s Ball After Player Claims Another Ball

Q. In a match, the player finds a ball and claims it as his. The opponent’s caddie then finds another ball and lifts it. It is subsequently discovered that the ball the opponent’s caddie lifted was the player’s ball. Should the opponent incur a penalty under Rule 18-3b?

A. No. Rule 18-3b does not contemplate an opponent or his caddie moving a player’s ball in such circumstances. In equity (Rule 1-4), the ball must be replaced without penalty to anyone.

18-3b/5  Opponent’s Caddie Lifts Player’s Ball Which May or May Not Have Been Out of Bounds

Q. An opponent’s caddie lifted the player’s ball and informed the player that the ball was out of bounds.

The player claimed that his ball might have been in bounds. What is the ruling?

A. If the Committee establishes that the ball was in bounds, the opponent incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-3b and the player must replace his ball.

If the ball was out of bounds, the opponent incurs no penalty.

If the position of the ball cannot be established, the benefit of the doubt should be given to the player.

Other Decisions Relating to Rule 18-3b:

Player Mistakenly Believing He Has Won Match Picks Up Opponent’s Ball — See 2-4/4 and 2-4/17.

Ball Resting Against Flagstick; Putt Conceded and Ball Removed Before Player Can Remove Flagstick — See 17-4/2.

Ball Resting Against Flagstick Moves Away from Hole When Opponent Removes Flagstick — See 17-4/3.

Player’s Ball Lifted by Opponent Without Authority — See 20-1/2.

Player’s Ball Lifted by Opponent Without Authority; Player Lifts Ball-Marker, Claims Hole and Opponent Disputes Claim — See 20-1/3.

Caddie Shared by Members of Opposite Sides in Four-Ball Match Moves Ball — See 30/1.

Caddie Shared by Opponents’ Side in Four-Ball Match Moves Player’s Ball — See 30/2.

Player’s Ball Lifted by Opponent Without Authority in Four-Ball Match — See 30-3f/10.

[18-4/1 Reserved]

18-4/2  Competitor’s Ball Knocked Out of Bunker by Fellow-Competitor’s Stroke at Own Ball

Q. In stroke play, B, in playing a stroke at his ball in a bunker, accidentally hits A’s ball that was also in the bunker. Both balls come to rest outside the bunker. A plays his ball from the spot to which it has been moved by B’s stroke. What is the ruling?

A. A was required to replace his ball in the bunker — Rule 18-4. A’s breach of Rule 18-4 was a serious one and he should have been disqualified under Rule 20-7c unless the serious breach was rectified as prescribed in the Rule. B incurred no penalty — Rule 18-4.

Fellow-Competitor’s Ball Knocked from Lip of Hole by Competitor Not Replaced — See 3-2/1.

18-4/3  Fellow-Competitor Lifts Competitor’s Ball Conceding Next Stroke in Stroke-Play Play-Off

Q. In a stroke-play play-off, B picks up A’s ball, conceding A a 4. B then holed a putt for a 3 to win the play-off. Is B subject to penalty for conceding a putt in stroke play?

A. B incurs no penalty — Rule 18-4. If B had not holed in 3 to win the play-off, A would have been obliged to replace his ball and hole out
(Rule 18-4).

Other Decisions Relating to Rule 18-4:

Ball Resting Against Flagstick Moves Away from Hole When Flagstick Removed by Fellow-Competitor — See 17-4/3.

Competitor’s Ball Picked Up by Fellow-Competitor at Competitor’s Request — See 18-2a/16.

Competitor’s Ball Lifted Without Authority by Fellow-Competitor — See 20-1/4.

[18-5/1 Reserved]

18-5/2  Original Ball Struck by Provisional Ball

Q. A player’s provisional ball played from the tee strikes and moves his original ball. What is the ruling?

A. There is no penalty. The original ball must be replaced — Rule 18-5.

Original Ball Strikes Second Ball or Vice Versa — See 3-3/7.

Provisional Ball Struck by Original Ball — See 19-5/5.

18-5/3  Competitor and Fellow-Competitor Unaware Ball Moved by Fellow-Competitor’s Ball Until After Completion of Hole

Q. In stroke play, A then B play their second strokes to the green but, due to the contours of the green, they cannot see where their balls come to rest. Both competitors complete the hole from about 12 feet with two putts each. On their way to the next tee, it was established that A’s ball had come to rest about one foot from the hole, but that B’s ball in motion had struck A’s ball and moved it.

(a) How should A proceed?

(b)  If A decided not to take any action because the hole had been completed, how should the Committee rule if the facts of the case come to its attention:

(i) before the card was returned?

(ii) after the card was returned but before the competition was closed?

A. (a) If A is certain that a serious breach of Rule 18-5 has not occurred, he should take no further action — see first paragraph of Rule 20-7c. The score with the original ball would be A’s score for the hole. In equity (Rule 1-4), A would incur no penalty because he did not know that he had played from a wrong place until after he had completed the hole.

If A believes that he may have committed a serious breach of Rule 18-5, then he should rectify the situation as prescribed in Rule 20-7c. If the Committee determines that A is not guilty of a serious breach of the Rules, then his score with the original ball counts. If the Committee determines that A is guilty of a serious breach of the Rules, the score with the second ball counts. In equity (Rule 1-4), no penalty is incurred in either case — see first paragraph above.

(b) (i) and (ii) The answer depends on whether or not the Committee determines that A is guilty of a serious breach of playing from a wrong place. In making that determination, the Committee must consider all the facts. If the Committee rules that a serious breach of Rule 18-5 has not occurred, the score with the original ball will be A’s score for the hole in both cases and, in equity (Rule 1-4), he incurs no penalty.

If, however, the Committee determines that A has committed a serious breach of Rule 18-5, he is disqualified in both cases — see Rule 20-7c.

Player Unaware Ball Moved by Outside Agency Does Not Replace Ball — See 18-1/3.

Other Decisions Relating to Rule 18-5:

Ball Lifted from Putting Green; Ball Replaced While Another Ball in Motion But Then Lifted Because Moving Ball Might Strike It — See 16-1b/2.

Opponent’s Ball Knocked Away by Player After Concession Moves Player’s Ball — See 18-2a/18.

Ball Moved by Another Ball After Being Addressed — See 18-2b/11.

Competitor’s Ball Played from Putting Green Moves Ball on Green Belonging to Competitor Playing in Another Group — See 19-5/2.

18-6/1  Ball Moved in Measuring to Determine If Re-Drop Required

Q. A player drops his ball in accordance with the Rules. The ball rolls and the player is uncertain whether it has come to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck a part of the course. The player measures to determine whether he must re-drop under Rule 20-2c(vi) and in doing so accidentally causes the ball to move. What is the ruling if (a) the ball had rolled more than two club-lengths or (b) the ball had not rolled more than two club-lengths?

A. The player incurs no penalty for causing his ball to move in either case (see Rule 18-6). If the ball had rolled more than two club-lengths, it must be re-dropped. If the ball had not rolled more than two club-lengths, it must be replaced.

18-6/2 Ball Moved by Flagstick When Measuring

Q. In measuring with the flagstick to determine the order of play, the player accidentally moves his ball in play with the flagstick. What is the ruling?

A. The answer depends on whether the movement of the ball was directly attributable to the specific act of measuring — see Rule 18-6.

If the player was holding or touching the flagstick in the act of measuring when it touched and moved the ball, the movement of the ball was directly attributable to the specific act of measuring. There is no penalty and the ball must be replaced.

If the movement of the ball was not directly attributable to the specific act of measuring (e.g., the player dropped the flagstick on the ball), the player incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced. (Revised — Formerly 18-2a/24)