Golf balls sometimes move when they shouldn't: you accidentally knock your ball with the club while addressing it, the wind blows it on the green, or a playing partner kicks it while searching. The rules on a ball moving at rest depend on what caused the movement and where it happened. The modern rules are much more forgiving than they used to be. Here's a plain-English summary.
This is a summary. For full details, see the official Rules of Golf.
What counts as "moved"?
A ball has moved if it leaves its original spot and comes to rest anywhere else, even by a tiny amount, and this can be seen. If it only oscillates (wobbles) and returns to its spot, it hasn't moved.
It must also be known or virtually certain that you caused the movement for a penalty to apply. If it's unclear, you're not considered to have caused it.
When you move your ball
| Situation | Penalty | Action |
|---|---|---|
| General area, bunker or penalty area, you cause it to move (for example, addressing it or a practice swing) | One stroke | Replace the ball |
| On the putting green, accidentally | None | Replace the ball |
| While searching for it | None | Replace the ball |
| While applying a rule (for example, marking or measuring) | None | Replace the ball |
| While removing a loose impediment (except on the green) | One stroke | Replace the ball |
| While removing a movable obstruction | None | Replace the ball |
If you don't replace a ball you should have replaced and play it from the wrong place, more penalties apply.
When natural forces move your ball
Natural forces include wind, water and gravity.
- Generally: play the ball from its new spot, without penalty.
- On the putting green: if your ball had already been lifted and replaced, and then wind or gravity moves it, replace it on its original spot. If it hadn't been lifted and replaced, play it from where it ends up.
Read putting green rules and how to play golf in the wind.
When others move your ball
- Another player, a spectator, an animal or another outside influence: replace your ball without penalty to you.
- In match play, if your opponent moves your ball, they usually get a one-stroke penalty, except in certain situations such as on the green or while searching.
- If you don't know the spot, estimate it and replace the ball there.
Ball moved by a ball in motion
If your ball at rest is hit by another ball in motion, replace your ball. The player whose ball was in motion may face a penalty in stroke play if both balls were on the putting green. Read putting green rules.
Avoiding problems
- Ground your club gently, or hover it, when the ball is on a slope or in long grass.
- Take practice swings away from the ball.
- Mark your ball on the green before lifting it.
- Be careful when removing loose impediments near your ball.
Frequently asked questions
What if I accidentally knock my ball off the tee?
If you haven't made a stroke, it isn't in play yet; re-tee it without penalty.
What if my ball moves at address?
If you caused it, one penalty stroke and replace it. If wind caused it, play it from its new spot (unless it was on the green after being replaced).
Is there a penalty for moving my ball while searching?
No. Replace it without penalty.
What if my ball moves on the green after I've marked and replaced it?
Replace it on its original spot without penalty.
The bottom line
When your ball moves at rest, ask what caused it and where it was. You usually take one stroke and replace it if you caused it, except on the green or while searching. Natural forces mean playing it as it lies, except on the green after replacing. Others moving it means replacing it without penalty. For more rules, read golf rules myths.