Linda … if a player inadvertently makes contact (a
minor tap) with the ball in setting up to hit a short chip shot but the touch
is so slight that the ball does not change position, is a penalty
incurred?
Thanks
Lou
Dear Lou,
No. The Definition of “Move or Moved” in the front of the
rule book explains that a ball has not officially been moved unless “it leaves
its position and comes to rest in any other place.” If you accidentally touch
your ball when you address it, and it moves ever so slightly but returns to its
original position, there is no penalty [Rule 18-2a(i)].
Linda
Copyright © 2012 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
