Ball moving on your backswing.

[Doon frae Troon]

I always thought that once you had started your swing and the ball moved there was no penalty.
Not the case as David Howell found out in the China Open when he was disqualified for the ball moving on his backswing.

This rule must be very difficult to detect.
There must be a period when the backswing stops and the downswing starts.
Another case of trial by camera.

Anyone see the incident?
Obviously not a Tigergate moment!

 

[Doh]

I thought it was only a penalty when you stopped and did not complete your swing. I stand to be corrected.

 

[Colin L]

You would not be disqualified for hitting a moving ball but normally you are penalised 2 strokes or lose the hole. That does not apply if you have started your backswing before the ball moves. (Rule 14-5). You are still liable, however, if you caused your ball to move or are deemed to have caused it to move to a 1 stroke penalty. (Rule 18-2) You do not have to replace the ball if you have continued and made a stroke.