Thursday, June 21, 2012

Ask Linda #478-Practice swing moves ball


Linda, a player takes a Practice swing contacting the ground near the ball, but does not contact the ball. The ball moves.
Penalty?
Lou from Arizona

Dear Lou,

If a player has caused his ball in play to move, he incurs a one-stroke penalty and he must replace the ball [Rule 18-2a].

There is no penalty to the golfer if the movement of the ball is clearly attributable to another cause, such as wind. In that case, the player will play the ball from its new location.

Golfers would be well advised to take their practice swings at a safe distance from where their ball lies.

Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.