Hello Linda,
My ball came to rest on some bare hard ground on a slope next to the green. While taking a practice swing, I made contact with the ground and my ball moved.
I did not make contact with my ball, but the contact with the ground and the shock it caused was the main factor that the ball moved. What is the ruling?
Kind regards,
Lou
Dear Lou,
If the player causes his ball to move, there is a one-stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced [Rule 18-2a]. If he fails to replace the ball before he hits it, the penalty is two strokes.
It seems clear, from your description, that you were responsible for moving your ball, so you’re out of luck in the “adding a penalty stroke” department.
What you should take away from this experience is that while you want to take your practice swing in a similar lie, make sure you are far enough away so as not to risk moving your ball.
Linda
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