Playing the Ball As It Lies

Play It Where It Lies!

One of the most important rules in golf is to play the ball where it lands.

• If your ball stops and then moves because of wind or water, you play it from the new spot (except if it’s on the green).

If Your Ball Gets Moved…

• If someone or something else moves your ball before you hit it, put it back where it was.
• If you move your own ball by accident, it’s usually a 1-stroke penalty, unless:
  • You’re allowed to move it (like on the green, picking it up in the rough to check if it’s yours, or taking embedded ball relief).
  • You accidentally move it while looking for it or marking it.
  • You accidentally move it on the tee box or green.
  • You’re moving something like a rake or water bottle and accidentally move it.

⚠️ If you don’t put it back in the right spot, it’s a 2-stroke penalty!

Making a Stroke

• If you accidentally hit the ball twice in one swing, there is no penalty.
• You can’t hold or press the club against your body when you swing (e.g. you cannot "anchor" your putter on your body.
• You can’t hit a moving ball, except:
  • The ball moves after you start your backswing.
  • The ball falls off the tee as you swing.
  • The ball is moving in water or a penalty area.

Practice Swings

• On the tee box or green: no penalty if you hit the ball by accident.
• Anywhere else: 1-stroke penalty AND put the ball back in its spot.
  • If you don’t replace it, that’s a 2-stroke penalty.