SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/golf-moving-your-ball-penalty

You accidentally knock your ball off its spot in the rough during a practice swing. What is the penalty?

One penalty stroke, and you put the ball back.

Start playing free

  1. No penalty
  2. One penalty stroke and replace it ✔
  3. Two penalty strokes and play it where it is

Why: Rule 9.4b gives one penalty stroke when you lift, deliberately touch or cause your ball at rest to move, unless an exception applies. Rule 9.4a then says to replace it on its original spot.

Huh, didn't know that: If you hit the ball from its new spot without replacing it, the penalty becomes the general penalty instead.

The dad joke
Why did the golf ball move? It heard the practice swing coming and got nervous.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: One penalty stroke and replace it. Rule 9.4b gives one penalty stroke when you lift, deliberately touch or cause your ball at rest to move, unless an exception applies. Rule 9.4a then says to replace it on its original spot.

  1. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 9 www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9
    If the player lifts or deliberately touches their ball at rest or causes it to move, the player gets one penalty stroke.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 9 www.randa.org/en/rog/the-rules-of-golf/rule-9
    If the player lifts their ball at rest or causes it to move, the ball must be replaced on its original spot
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessYour tee shot goes out of bounds. What must you do under the standard rule?Sports & FitnessWhen may a golfer choose stroke-and-distance relief?Sports & FitnessWhat is the most clubs a golfer may carry during a round?

That's stuff everyone should know.