Ball At Rest Moved

We shall look at the different scenarios that can happen when a ball at rest is moved.

This is something that happens a lot around the golf course, but not too many people know what to do when it happens. There are various ways in which the ball can be moved. The first one we shall look at is a ball moved by an outside agency. A typical example of this would be if a dog came along, picked up your ball and ran off with it.

So what do you do in such a case. Well, first up you don't need to chase the dog to get your ball back. If the dog runs off with the ball you can substitute the ball with another ball and place the substituted ball as close as possible to where the original ball lay, without penalty.

OK, what happens if you move your own ball.

Rule 18-2 states:

When a player’s ball is in play, if:

(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or moves it, touches it purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as permitted by a rule, or

(ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,

the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced

The statement underlined in brackets above is an interesting one, this is something most people don't realize. When addressing the ball if you accidently touch the ball, there is no penalty, as long as the ball does not leave its position and come to rest in another position.

Now, what happens if your ball is moved by another ball. Rule 18-5 says, if a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, the moved ball must be replaced.

In this instance, the ball in motion must be played from where it came to rest.  

Next question, If a ball is moved while measuring a nearest the pin shot, are you penalized for moving a ball at rest.

NO There is no penalty, providing the movement of the ball is directly attributable to the specific act of measuring

 What about a ball in motion deflected or stopped by another ball.