Golf Ball Moves

What do you do if a dog makes off with your ball, or a sudden gust of wind moves a ball on the green? As usual, the rules are quite specific heed them to avoid penalty.

Your ball is said to have moved if it leaves its position and comes to rest in some other place. It's important to bear this in mind because there is no penalty when the wind moves a ball or you touch it accidentally and it settles back into the same place.

If your ball is moved by an outside agency you suffer no penalty. But remember to replace the ball in its original position before you play your stroke. An outside agency is any thing or person which is not part of the match, or in stroke play not part of your side.

For example, if a spectator, a dog or a bird moves your ball after it comes to rest, you do not suffer any penalty. You replace - not drop - your ball where it lay and carry on as if the interference never happened. You may have to place another ball if an animal disappears carrying the original.

Wind and water
The rules clearly say that neither wind nor water is an outside agency. If your ball moves after you address it you are penalized a shot, even though you may feel it's not your fault. For instance, a sudden gust of wind quite often moves the ball on a green. If you have already addressed your ball you are penalized a shot.

You are said to have addressed your ball when you have taken your stance and grounded your club. This does not apply in a hazard, where you are never allowed to ground the club. Taking your stance means placing your feet into position to play a stroke.

If you think your ball is likely to move - perhaps you notice the wind making it quiver- it's wise to wait a moment before you address it. There is no penalty if it moves at that stage.

If you, or your caddie, lifts or moves your ball, except where the rules let you - for example when the ball is in casual water or on ground under repair - you take a 1 shot penalty. The same applies if your equipment or that of your partner causes your ball to move. Remember to replace your ball in its original lie before playing.

Clearing the way
Be very careful about removing loose impediments from around your ball. You are allowed to remove these except in a hazard. But if your ball moves after you have removed them there is a 1 stroke penalty. This rule applies even if you have not addressed your ball and are convinced that the movement had nothing to do with whatever you removed.

If someone accidentally moves your ball in the rough while searching for it the penalty depends on who moves it. If it's you, your partner, your caddie or your equipment, there is a 1 stroke penalty. But if your ball is disturbed by an opponent, his caddie or equipment, there is no penalty. Similarly, if a fellow competitor moves your ball in stroke play there is no penalty.

If a ball at rest is moved by another ball, replace it in its original position. This sometimes happens when a player chips on to a green and strikes a ball already there. In this case, the ball which has been struck is replaced. The ball which struck it is played as it lies without penalty.