Purpose of Rule: Rule 9 covers a central principle of the game: “play the ball as it lies.”
If the player’s ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot.
If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, the ball must be replaced on its original spot.
Players should take care when near any ball at rest, and a player who causes their own ball or an opponent’s ball to move will normally get a penalty (except on the putting green).
Rule 9 applies to 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) at rest on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued), and applies both during a roundRound: 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the Committee. and while play is stopped under Rule 5.7a.
A player’s ball at rest on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) must be played as it lies, except when the Rules require or allow the player:
To play a ball from another place on the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued), or
To lift a ball and then 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) it on its original spot.
If a player’s ball at rest begins moving after the player has begun the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) or the backswing for a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and the player goes on to make the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued):
The ball must not 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), no matter what caused 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).
Instead, the player must play the ball from where it comes to rest after the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
If the player 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), see Rule 9.4b to find out if there is a penalty.
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.1: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. Under Rule 14.7a.
A player’s ball at rest is treated as having 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) only if 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 it did.
If the ball might 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) but this 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), it is treated as not having 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 must be played as it lies.
When a player’s ball at rest 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):
It must be decided what caused 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).
This determines whether 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 play it as it lies and whether there is a penalty.
Natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity., such as wind or water (see Rule 9.3),
The player's actions, including the actions of the player’s caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) (see Rule 9.4),
The opponent's actions 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), including the actions of the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) (see Rule 9.5), or
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:, including any other player in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued) (see Rule 9.6).
The player, the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. or 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 treated as having 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) only if 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) to be the cause.
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 at least one of these was the cause, the ball is treated as having 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 natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity..
In applying this standard, all reasonably available information must be considered, which means all information the player knows or can get with reasonable effort and without unreasonably delaying play.
If natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity. (such as wind or water) cause a player’s ball at rest 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):
There is no penalty, and
The ball must be played from its new spot.
Exception 1 – Ball on Putting Green Must Be Replaced If It Moves After Having Already Been Lifted and Replaced (see Rule 13.1d): If the player’s ball on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) 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) after the player had already lifted and 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 ball on the spot from which it 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 must 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) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
This is true no matter what caused 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) (including natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity.).
Exception 2 – Ball at Rest Must Be Replaced If It Moves to Another Area of the Course or Out of Bounds After Being Dropped, Placed or Replaced: If the player puts the original ball or another ball into play by 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), placing or 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) it, and natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity. cause the ball at rest 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) and come to rest in another area of the courseAreas of the Course: The five defined areas that make up the course: or 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 ball must 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) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2). But for a ball on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) that was 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), see Exception 1.
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.3: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. under Rule 14.7a.
This Rule applies only 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 player (including the player’s caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued)) lifted their ball at rest or the player's or their caddie'sCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) actions caused 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).
If the player lifts their ball at rest or 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), the ball must 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) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), except:
When the player lifts the ball under a Rule to take relief or 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 on a different spot (see Rules 14.2d and 14.2e), or
When the ball 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) only after the player has begun the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) or the backswing for a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and then goes on to make the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) (see Rule 9.1b).
If the player lifts or deliberately touches their ball at rest or 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), the player gets one penalty stroke.
But there are five exceptions:
Exception 1 – Player Allowed to Lift or Move Ball: There is no penalty when the player lifts the ball or 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) under a Rule that:
Allows the ball to be lifted and then 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) on its original spot,
Requires a 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) ball to 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) on its original spot, or
Requires or allows the player to 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) or place a ball again or to play a ball from a different place.
Exception 2 – Accidental Movement in Trying to Find or Identify Ball: There is no penalty when the player accidentally 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) while trying to find or identify it (see Rule 7.4).
Exception 3 – Accidental Movement on Putting Green: There is no penalty when the player accidentally 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) on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) (see Rule 13.1d), no matter how that happens.
Exception 4 – Accidental Movement Anywhere Except on Putting Green While Applying Rule: There is no penalty when the player accidentally 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) anywhere except on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) while taking reasonable actions to:
MarkMoved: 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 spot of the ball or lift 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, when allowed to do so (see Rules 14.1 and 14.2),
Remove a movable obstructionMovable Obstruction: An obstruction that can be moved with reasonable effort and without damaging the obstruction or the course.(...Continued) (see Rule 15.2),
Restore worsened conditions, when allowed to do so (see Rule 8.1d),
Take relief under a Rule, including in determining whether relief is available under a Rule (such as swinging a club to see if there is interference from a condition), or where to take relief (such as determining the nearest point of complete reliefNearest Point of Complete Relief: The reference point for taking free relief from an abnormal course condition (Rule 16.1), dangerous animal condition (Rule 16.2), wrong green (Rule 13.1f) or no play zone (Rules 16.1f and 17.1e), or in taking relief under certain Local Rules.(...Continued)), or
Measure under a Rule (such as to decide the order of play under Rule 6.4).
Exception 5 – Ball Moves After Coming to Rest Against Player or Equipment: There is no penalty if, after the player’s ball comes to rest against the player or their equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued) as a result of a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) (Rule 11.1) or 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 (Rule 14.3c(1)), the player 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) when they 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) or when they remove their equipmentEquipment: Anything used, worn, held or carried by the player or the player’s caddie.(...Continued).
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.4: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. under Rule 14.7a.
If a player is required 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) a 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) ball under Rule 9.4 but fails to do so and plays 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), they get only the general penaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. under Rule 14.7a (see Rule 1.3c(4) Exception).
This Rule applies only 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 opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. (including the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued)) lifted a player’s ball at rest or their actions caused 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).
If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. plays the player’s ball as a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued), that is covered by Rule 6.3c(1), not by this Rule.
If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. lifts or 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 player’s ball at rest, the ball must 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) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), except:
When the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. is conceding the next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), a hole or the match (see Rule 3.2b), or
When the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. lifts or movesOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. the ball at the player’s request because the player intends to apply a Rule to take relief or 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 on a different spot.
If the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. lifts or deliberately touches the player’s ball at rest or 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), the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. gets one penalty stroke.
But there are several exceptions:
Exception 1 – Opponent Allowed to Lift Player’s Ball: There is no penalty when the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. lifts the ball:
When conceding the next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), a hole or the match to the player, or
At the player’s request.
Exception 2 – Marking and Lifting Player’s Ball on Putting Green by Mistake: There is no penalty when the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. marksMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the spot of the player’s ball and lifts it on the putting greenPutting Green: The area on the hole the player is playing that:(...Continued) in the mistaken belief that it is the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. own ball.
Exception 3 – Same Exceptions as for the Player: There is no penalty when the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. accidentally 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) while taking any of the actions covered by Exceptions 2, 3, 4 or 5 in Rule 9.4b.
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.5: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. under Rule 14.7a.
If 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 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: (including another player in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued) or another ball) lifted or 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) a player’s ball at rest:
There is no penalty, and
The ball must 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) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2).
This applies whether or not the player’s ball has been found.
But 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 ball was lifted or 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 ball is lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued), the player must 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 under Rule 18.2.
If the player’s ball is played as a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) by another player, that is covered by Rule 6.3c(2), not by this Rule.
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.6: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. Under Rule 14.7a.
This Rule covers what to do if a ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued) that is markingMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) the spot of a lifted ball is lifted or moved before the ball is 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).
If 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 player’s ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued) is lifted or moved in any way (including by natural forcesNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity.) before the ball is 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 either:
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 (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2), or
Place a ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued) to markMark: To show the spot where a ball is at rest by either:(...Continued) that original spot.
If the player, or their opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. 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), lifts the player’s ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued) or causes it to move, (when the ball is lifted and not yet 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 or opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. gets one penalty stroke.
Exception - Rule 9.4b and 9.5b Exceptions Apply to Lifting or Moving Ball-Marker or Causing It to Move: In all cases where the player or opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. gets no penalty for lifting the player’s ball or accidentally causing 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), there is also no penalty for lifting or accidentally moving the player’s ball-markerBall-Marker: An artificial object when used to mark the spot of a ball to be lifted, such as a tee, a coin, an object made to be a ball-marker or another small piece of equipment.(...Continued).
Penalty for Playing Ball 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) in Breach of Rule 9.7: General PenaltyGeneral Penalty: Loss of hole in match play or two penalty strokes in stroke play. Under Rule 14.7a.