Rule 9 - Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved

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Purpose of Rule: Rule 9 covers a central principle of the game: “play the ball as it lies.” If your ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, you normally must play it from its new spot. If your ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, your ball must be replaced on its original spot. You should take care when near any ball at rest, and if you cause your own ball or your opponent’s ball to move you will normally get a penalty (except on the putting green). 9.1 Ball Played as It Lies a. Playing Your Ball from Where It Came to Rest You must play your ball at rest on the course as it lies, except when the Rules require or allow you: To play a ball from another place on the course, or To lift a ball and then replace it on its original spot. b. What to Do When Your Ball Moves During Backswing or Stroke If your ball at rest begins moving after you have begun the stroke or the backswing for a stroke and you go on to make the stroke: The ball must not be replaced, no matter what caused it to move. Instead, you must play the ball from where it comes to rest after the stroke. If you caused the ball to move, see Rule 9.4b to find out if there is a penalty. Penalty for Playing Incorrectly Substituted Ball or Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.1: General Penalty. 9.2 Deciding Whether Your Ball Moved and What Caused It to Move a. Deciding Whether Your Ball Moved Your ball at rest is treated as having moved only if it is known or virtually certain that it did. If your ball might have moved but this is not known or virtually certain, it is treated as not having moved and you must play it as it lies. b. Deciding What Caused Your Ball to Move The Rules recognize only four possible causes for your ball at rest to move before you make a stroke: Natural forces, such as wind or water, You, including your caddie, Your opponent in match play, including your opponent’s caddie, or An outside influence, including any other player in stroke play. You, your opponent or an outside influence are treated as having caused the ball to move only if it is known or virtually certain to be the case. If not, the ball is treated as having been moved by natural forces. 9.3 Ball Moved by Natural Forces If natural forces (such as wind or water) cause your ball at rest to move, there is no penalty, and your ball must be played from its new spot. Exception – If your ball on the putting green moves after you have already lifted and replaced it, the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). Penalty for Playing Incorrectly Substituted Ball or Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.3: General Penalty. 9.4 Ball Lifted or Moved by You a. When Lifted or Moved Ball Must Be Replaced If you or your caddie lift your ball at rest or cause it to move, your ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated), except: When you lift the ball under a Rule to take relief or to replace the ball on a different spot, or When your ball moves only after you have started the stroke or the backswing for a stroke and then go on to make the stroke. b. Penalty for Lifting or Deliberately Touching Your Ball or Causing It to Move If you lift or deliberately touch your ball at rest or cause it to move, you get one penalty stroke. But there are four exceptions where you get no penalty for doing so: Exception 1 – When You are Allowed to Lift or Move Ball. Exception 2 – Accidental Movement Before Ball Is Found. Exception 3 – Accidental Movement on Putting Green. Exception 4 – Accidental Movement Anywhere Except on Putting Green While Applying Rule. For further explanation of these Exceptions. Penalty for Playing Incorrectly Substituted Ball or Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.4: General Penalty. 9.5 Ball Lifted or Moved by Your Opponent in Match Play For information on when your ball is lifted or moved by your opponent in match play. 9.6 Ball Lifted or Moved by Outside Influence If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence lifted or moved your ball there is no penalty. The ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). Penalty for Playing Incorrectly Substituted Ball or Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.6: General Penalty. 9.7 Ball-Marker Lifted or Moved a. Ball or Ball-Marker Must Be Replaced If your ball-marker is lifted or moved in any way (including by natural forces) before your ball is replaced, you must either: Replace your ball on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated), or Place a ball-marker to mark that original spot. b. Penalty for Lifting Ball-Marker or Causing It to Move Before your ball is replaced, if you lift your ball-marker or cause it to move, you get one penalty stroke. If your opponent does so, he or she gets one penalty stroke. Exception - Rule 9.4b and Rule 9.5b Exceptions Apply to Lifting Ball-Marker or Causing It to Move Penalty for Playing Incorrectly Substituted Ball or Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 9.7: General Penalty.