The Rules Of Golf For Moving, Deflecting Or Stopping The Ball
(Rules 18 & 19)

Rule 18. Moving A Ball At Rest.

A player will incur a penalty if he, his partner or a caddie (or his, his partner's or a caddie's equipment) moves a ball at rest other than as allowed within the rules of the game.

There is no penalty if a player accidentally causes a ball to move:

• In searching for a ball.



• In repairing a hole plug or ball mark.



• In measuring.



• In lifting a ball under the rules of the game.



• In placing or replacing a ball under the rules of the game.



• In removing a loose impediment on the putting green.



• In removing movable obstructions.

If a player's ball is in play and moves after he has addressed it the the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a penalty.

No penalty is incurred if a player's ball is moved by an opponent or caddie while searching for a ball.

If a ball at rest, but in play, is moved by another ball then no penalty is incurred although the moved ball must be replaced.

If a ball or ball marker is moved then the ball must be replaced and there is no penalty as long as the ball or ball marker was moved solely in connection with measuring under the rules of the game.

Rule 19. Stopping Or Deflecting A Ball In Motion.

If a ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency then the ball must be played where it lies except:

• If the ball is deflected or stopped by a moving or animated object then the ball must be placed as near as possible to the point at which it first hit the moving or animated object, providing that it is not placed nearer to the hole.



• If the ball is deflected or stopped by a moving or animated object (other than an insect, worm or similar creature) after a stroke on the putting green, then the stroke shall be considered cancelled and the ball replaced and replayed.

If a ball in motion is deflected by another ball which is in play and at rest then the ball is played where it lies. In this case there is no penalty unless in stroke play with both balls laying on the putting green prior to the stroke, in which case the player whose ball is deflected or stopped will incur a penalty of two strokes.

If a ball in motion is deflected or stopped by another ball which is in play and also in motion then the ball is again played where it lies.

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