Ask Linda #6 - hit by own shot

Dear Linda,
I tried to hit a sand shot, and the ball ricocheted off the lip and hit me before I could move out of the way. Is there a penalty?
Lulu

Dear Lulu,
Unfortunately, in addition to your embarrassment, there is a one-stroke penalty if you accidentally deflect or stop your own ball. After it hits you, you must play the ball as it lies. Of course, you might have a problem doing that if the ball were to land in your pocket. In that case you would have to drop the ball. Wish I had better news for you, Lulu.
Linda

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