Linda…I have two questions for you today. The first involves
inadvertently moving your ball during the marking process. Recently I was
marking my ball and the knuckle of my thumb touched the ball and moved it about
1/8 of a revolution. At the time the ball moved the ball marker was already in
the correct place and I am 100% confident that the ball was placed at the
correct location when I replaced the ball for putting. However, the ball did
move in a manner that was basically simultaneous as to when I marked it. Is
this a penalty?
The second question has to do with intent. If a person
inadvertently brushes his/her ball with a practice swing and the ball moves, is
this considered a stroke or would it be a one-stroke penalty and replace the
ball to its original location? Again, no intent to hit the ball.
Thanks,
Lou from Texas
Dear Lou,
Answer to Question #1:
There is no penalty if you accidentally move your ball (or
your ball-marker) during the process of marking and lifting your ball [Rule
20-1]. You must replace your ball or ball-marker.
Answer to Question #2:
There is no intent to hit the ball during a practice swing.
Therefore, it is not a stroke, which requires intent [Definition of “Stroke”].
It is instead an accidental movement of your ball in play. You incur a penalty
of one stroke under Rule 18-2a, and you must replace your ball before you hit
it.
There is no penalty if you move your ball with a practice swing prior to your initial shot on the teeing ground, since the ball is not yet in play. Tee up another ball (or the same ball, if you haven't hit it too far with your practice swing).
There is no penalty if you move your ball with a practice swing prior to your initial shot on the teeing ground, since the ball is not yet in play. Tee up another ball (or the same ball, if you haven't hit it too far with your practice swing).
Linda
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