Linda,
What is the ruling on taking a practice swing and accidentally hitting the ball? Does the ruling vary from the tee versus the fairway or rough?
Thanks,
Lou from New Jersey
Dear Lou,
There is no penalty if you accidentally move your ball on the teeing area with a practice swing. Play your original ball or another one (either teed or on the ground) anywhere in the teeing area and start again [Rule 6.2b(5) and (6)].
Once your ball is in play, you will get a one-stroke penalty if you accidentally move your ball with a practice swing, and you must replace your original or another ball [Rule 9.4b].
On the putting green, there is no penalty for accidentally causing your ball to move. You must replace the ball or a ball-marker [Rule 13.1d(1)].
Linda
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