As stated in the definitions, to “move”, a ball at rest must leave its original spot and come to rest on any other spot and the movement must be enough that it can be seen by the naked eye. In order to treat the ball as movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), there must be knowledge or virtual certaintyKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the ball has movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued).
An example of when it is known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that a ball has movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) is:
A player marks, lifts and replacesReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) their ball on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued). As the player walks away, the ball rolls a short distance and comes to rest. The player does not see this, but another player observes the ball movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) and informs the player. Since it is knownKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball on its original spot under Rule 13.1d(2) (Ball Moved by Natural Forces).
An example of when it is not known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that a ball has movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) is:
Player A and Player B play their approach shots to the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued), but because of the contours of the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) they could not see where the two balls came to rest. Unknown to the players, Player B’s ball struck Player A’s ball at rest and it rolled some distance farther from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued). As long as this information does not come to the attention of the players before Player A makes the next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), Player A does not get a penalty for playing from where their ball came to rest after being struck by Player B’s ball.
As provided in Clarification 9.2a/1, a player has not made a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) when it is not known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player's ball has been movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: at the time the ball is played.
But, when the player’s actions (or the actions of the player’s caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) or partnerPartner: A player who competes together with another player as a side, in either match play or stroke play.) caused the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), the player is treated as knowing the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) and that they were the cause of the movement. This is true even when the player is unaware at the time that their actions caused the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) as the player's lack of knowledge of their own breach does not exempt them for penalty.
Examples of this include:
A player’s ball lies in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued) and they remove a loose impedimentLoose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as:(...Continued) near the ball that causes the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). Because the player was not looking at the ball, they were not aware that the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). The player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 15.1b (Ball Moved When Removing Loose Impediment) and they must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball.
A player’s caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) or their partnerPartner: A player who competes together with another player as a side, in either match play or stroke play. removed roping and staking, and this causes the player’s ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) while the player was watching another player make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued). There is no penalty for movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball under Rule 15.2a(1) (Removal of Movable Obstruction) but the player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball.
In both of these situations, even though the player was not aware that the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), if it subsequently becomes known that the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) and the player has made a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) without first replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball, the player gets the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. for playing from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) under Rule 14.7a (Place from Where Ball Must Be Played).
Rule 9.4 applies when it is known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player’s actions caused their ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). This includes when a player’s actions cause an object to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball. But Rule 9.4 does not always apply when the player’s ball has movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) and their equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) is involved.
Examples of when Rule 9.4 applies because it is known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player was the cause of the ball’s movement include when the player:
Puts down their bag on a slope and the bag immediately falls onto the ball and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) it.
Drops a club which causes the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued).
Examples of when Rule 9.6 applies because it is not known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player was the cause of the ball’s movement include when the player:
Puts down his bag and there is a period of time before the bag falls onto to the ball and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) it.
Leaves a towel on top of their bag which then blows onto the ground and causes the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued).
These principles would also apply in determining whether an opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. actions caused a player’s ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) (Rule 9.5). (New)
Rule 9.4 applies wherever a ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) is on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued). This includes when a ball is in a tree. However, when the player does not intend to play the ball as it lies but is trying only to identify it, or intends to retrieve it to use another Rule, the Exceptions to Rule 9.4b apply and there is no penalty. For example:
In searching for their ball, a player sees a ball lying in a tree but cannot identify it. The player climbs the tree in an attempt to identify the ball and in doing so accidentally dislodges the ball from the tree. The ball is identified as the player’s ball.
In this case, since the ball was accidentally movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) in taking reasonable actions to identify it, there is no penalty for movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball (Rule 7.4).
The player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball or may directly use a relief Rule (such as Rule 19 – Unplayable Ball).
In two situations, the player’s only option is to take relief under a relief Rule:
The player is unable to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball because they cannot reach the spot where the ball was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) from when the player was identifying it, or
The player can reach that spot but the ball will not come to rest on that spot and the player cannot reach the spot where it will come to rest under Rule 14.2e (Replaced Ball Does Not Stay on Spot)
A player’s ball has not yet been found but is believed to be lodged in a tree in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued). The player makes it clear that if the ball is found they will take unplayable ball relief under Rule 19. The player shakes the tree; the ball falls down and is identified by the player within three minutes of starting search.
The player may now take relief under Rule 19 (Unplayable Ball) adding only the one penalty stroke prescribed by that Rule with no additional penalty for causing the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). If not known, the player must estimate the spot where the ball lay in the tree when applying Rule 19.
However, if the player movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball when they are not intending to identify it or without intending to take relief under another Rule, the player does get a penalty for a breach of Rule 9.4. For example:
A player’s ball is in a tree and they intend to play it. In preparing for the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), the player accidentally dislodges the ball.
The player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4 for causing the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued). The player must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball or may take relief directly under a relief Rule. If the player takes relief under Rule 19, they get a total of two penalty strokes, one under Rule 9.4 and one under Rule 19.
When the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) is deliberately touched by the player, even if it does not moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), the player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4b.
For example, a player gets one penalty stroke if they:
Without first markingMarker: In stroke play, the person responsible for entering a player’s score on the player’s scorecard and for certifying that scorecard. The marker may be another player, but not a partner.(...Continued) the ball’s spot, rotates the ball on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) to line up the trademark with the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued), even if the ball remains on the same spot. If the player had markedMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the spot of ball before touching or rotating it, there would have been no penalty.
Without first markingMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the ball’s spot, rotates the ball anywhere on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) to identify it and the ball is the player’s ball.
Deliberately touch the ball with a club in preparing to make a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
Hold the ball steady with their hand or positions a pine cone or stick against the ball to prevent the ball from movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) while they remove some loose impedimentsLoose Impediment: Any unattached natural object such as:(...Continued) or brushes something off the ball.
Exception 4 uses “while” to govern the time period when the Exception will apply to a player who movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) their ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) as a result of “reasonable actions”. For the meaning of “reasonable actions”, see 9.4b/3.
The use of the word “while” indicates that every reasonable action in applying a Rule has a beginning and an end and, if the ball’s movement occurs during the time that such action is taking place, the Exception applies.
Examples of situations covered by Exception 4, therefore resulting in no penalty for causing the ball to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), include when:
The player finds a ball that they believe to be their ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued). In the process of identification, the player approaches the ball to markMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) and lift it and accidentally slips and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball.
Even though the player was not marking or lifting the ball when it was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), it was still movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) while the player was identifying the ball.
The player has droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) a ball when taking relief and then reaches down to lift the tee that was marking the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3), each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and location are based on these three factors:(...Continued). When standing up, they accidentally drop a club that they were holding and the club hits and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).
Even though the player has already droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball to take relief, the ball was moved while they were taking relief.
In many situations, the Rules require a player to perform actions near or next to the ball (such as lifting, markingMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued), measuring, etc.). If the ball is accidentally movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) while taking these “reasonable actions”, Exception 4 to Rule 9.4 applies.
However, there are other situations when the player is taking actions farther from the ball where, even though the ball might be movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) as a result of those actions, Exception 4 also applies because those actions are “reasonable”.
These include when:
The player approaches their ball for the purpose of taking relief and accidentally kicks a rock or accidentally drops their club that strikes and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball.
The player removes stakes and rope (movable obstructionsMovable Obstruction: An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course.(...Continued)) used for gallery control purposes some distance ahead of the ball and in removing one of the stakes, they cause the others to become loose and fall to the ground, movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) their ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).
The player restores the line of playLine of Play: The line where the player intends their ball to go after a stroke, including the area on that line that is a reasonable distance up above the ground and on either side of that line.(...Continued) by brushing sand away from the fringe with their hat under Rule 8.1d (Restoring Conditions Worsened After Ball Came to Rest), and the sand splashes onto the ball and causes it to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued).
In other situations, Exception 4 to Rule 9.4 does not apply because the player’s actions are not “reasonable”.
These include when:
The player approaches their ball to take relief and kicks a rock in frustration that accidentally strikes and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball.
The player throws a club down into the relief areaRelief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. With the exception of back-on-the-line relief (see Rules 16.1c(2), 17.1d(2), 19.2b and 19.3), each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and location are based on these three factors:(...Continued) in preparing to measure, and the club accidentally strikes and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball.
The player lifts a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued) rake or their club and throws it out of a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued). The rake or club falls back into the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued), striking and movingMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball.
In the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued), if a player lifts their ball with the intention to take free relief under Rule 16.1b (Abnormal Course Conditions), but then decides not to proceed under that Rule despite relief being available, the player’s right to lift the ball under Rule 16.1b is no longer valid.
After lifting the ball but before doing anything else, the player has the following options:
ReplaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in its original position with a penalty of one stroke (Rule 9.4b);
ReplaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball in its original position with a penalty of one stroke (Rule 9.4b) and then take relief under Rule 19.2 (Unplayable Ball Relief), getting an additional penalty of one stroke for a total of two penalty strokes;
Directly take relief under Rule 19.2b or c, without replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball and using the spot where the original ball lay to determine the reference point for the relief procedure, getting a penalty of one stroke under Rule 19.2 and an additional penalty of one stroke under Rule 9.4b for a total of two penalty strokes;
DropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball under Rule 16.1b and then either play the ball as it lies without penalty or, using its new position to determine the reference point, take relief under any of the options of Rule 19.2, getting a penalty of only one stroke; or
Directly take stroke-and-distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) relief, without droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) the ball under Rule 16.1b, getting a penalty of one stroke under Rule 19.2a and no penalty under Rule 9.4b, as the player does not need to establish a new reference point before taking relief under Rule 19.2a.
Clarifications Related to Rule 9.4b:
Under Rule 9.5b, an opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. gets one penalty stroke for lifting the player’s ball unless one of the Exceptions applies.
For example, during a search Player A finds a ball and states that it is theirs. Player B (the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play.) finds another ball and lifts it. Player A then realizes the found ball was not in fact their ball and the ball Player B lifted was Player A’s ball.
Since the ball was not in fact found when Player B lifted Player A’s ball, it is considered to have been accidentally movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) during search and Exception 3 to Rule 9.5b applies. The player or opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball without penalty to anyone.
Wind is not itself an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:, but if wind causes an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: to moveMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) a player’s ball, Rule 9.6 applies.
For example, if a player’s ball comes to rest in a plastic bag (movable obstructionMovable Obstruction: An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course.(...Continued)) that is lying on the ground, and a gust of wind blows the bag and movesMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball, the bag (outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:) is considered to have movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) the ball. The player may either:
Directly take relief under Rule 15.2a by estimating the point right under where the ball was at rest in the plastic bag before the ball was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued), or
ReplaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) by the bag by applying Rule 9.6 (by replacingReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball and the bag) and then decide to play the ball as it lies or take relief under Rule 15.2a (Relief From Movable Obstruction).
If a ball has been movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: and the original spot where the ball lay is not known, the player must use their reasonable judgment (Rule 1.3b(2)) to determine where the ball had come to rest before it was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued).
For example, on a particular hole, part of the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) and adjoining area cannot be seen by the players playing towards it. Near the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) there is a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued) and a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued). A player plays towards the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) and cannot tell where the ball came to rest. The players see a person (outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:) with a ball. The person drops the ball and runs away. The player identifies it as his or her ball. The player does not know whether the ball was on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued), in the general areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued), in the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued), or in the penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued).
As it is impossible to know where the ball should be replacedReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued), the player must use reasonable judgment. If it is equally likely the ball came to rest on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued), in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued), in the bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued), or in the penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued), a reasonable judgment would be to estimate the ball came to rest in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued).
If it is not known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) that the player’s ball has been movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:, the player must play the ball as it lies. If information that the ball was in fact movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: only becomes known to the player after the ball has been played, the player did not play from a wrong placeWrong Place: Any place on the course other than where the player is required or allowed to play their ball under the Rules.(...Continued) because this knowledge did not exist when the player made the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
If a player discovers, after playing their ball, that it had been movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) onto the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: after the ball had come to rest out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), the player has played a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) (see Definition). Because it was not known or virtually certainKnown or Virtually Certain: The standard for deciding what happened to a player’s ball – for example, whether the ball came to rest in a penalty area, whether it moved or what caused it to move.(...Continued) at the time the ball was played, the player does not get a penalty for playing a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) under Rule 6.3c(1) but might need to correct the mistake by proceeding under Rule 18.2b (What to Do When Ball Is Lost or Out of Bounds) depending when that discovery is made:
In match playMatch Play: A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:(...Continued), the player must correct the mistake if the discovery that the ball was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) onto the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) by the outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: is made before the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. makes their next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) or takes a similar action (such as conceding the hole).
If that discovery occurs after the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. makes their next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) or takes a similar action, the player must continue to play out the hole with the wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued).
In stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), the player must correct the mistake if the discovery that the ball was movedMoved: When a ball at rest has left its original spot and come to rest on any other spot, and this can be seen by the naked eye (whether or not anyone actually sees it do so).(...Continued) onto the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) by an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course: is made before making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., before returning their scorecardScorecard: The document where a player’s score for each hole is entered in stroke play.(...Continued).
If that discovery occurs after the player has made a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) on the next hole or, for the final hole of the roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee., after returning their scorecardScorecard: The document where a player’s score for each hole is entered in stroke play.(...Continued), the player’s score with the wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) counts.