Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Ask Linda #820-Ball moved by wind or after address


Linda,
My question has to do with the definition of “ball movement.” I have in mind two incidences: 
1. Occasionally, when a ball is on the green and there is a high wind, the ball will oscillate or wiggle.
2.  In getting ready to make an approach shot, I found the ball on a forked stick with the shaft under the grass. When I addressed the ball, the ball moved up and when I removed the club from behind the ball, the ball return to its original position.

My understanding of the applicable rule is that the ball must be returned to its original position and the player incurs a one-stroke penalty.  However, in both of the above cases, the ball ended up in its original position and therefore can't be returned to its original position because it's already there.

Do I have it correct that there is no penalty incurred in either case?  I am, of course, keying on the phrase “returned to its original position.”

Thanks,
Lou from Texas

Dear Lou,

1. There is no penalty when your ball is moved by the wind. Whether the ball returns to its original spot or settles in a new spot, it must be played as it lies. If the wind happens to move the ball to a new spot, and you make the mistake of replacing it on its original spot, you incur a one-stroke penalty. If you fail to replace the ball on the spot where it was blown by the wind before you hit it, your penalty will be two strokes [Decision 18-2a/7].

2. If your ball moves after you address it, there is no escaping the one-stroke penalty for moving your ball in play [Rule 18-2b]. If the ball moves, you must replace it before hitting; if it returns to its original spot, you will play it as it lies.

Linda
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