Ball moving on green

[mikejohnchapman]

There's a difference in gaining a potential advantage and seeking one. The rules do not differentiate between the two. The potential advantage is gained because the ball moved, not because the player sought an advantage.

Agreed but replacing the ball negates any advantage surely!

 

[rulie]

Agreed but replacing the ball negates any advantage surely!

The Rules already recognize in Decision Misc/1 that placing is an advantage as scores made when preferred lies are in operation should not be recognized as course records. Preferred lies include lift, clean and replace.

 

[Colin L]

The Rules already recognize in Decision Misc/1 that placing is an advantage as scores made when preferred lies are in operation should not be recognized as course records. Preferred lies include lift, clean and replace.

I expect Mike's point was still in the context of a ball on the putting green where almost always a lifted ball is placed. But I'm not sure I'm with you in the wider context anyway. Replacing as the procedure where the original position can be determined is not advantageous as the ball is played from where it originally came to rest. Indeed replacing can prevent an advantage being gained from the ball moving to a more favourable place - which was Mike's point.