Double hit or not?

[cliveb]

Was in the practice bunker today. Played a shot and hit the sand well behind the ball. So the club did not actually strike the ball, and the sand popped the ball out. But in the follow through, the club DID hit the ball. It made me wonder - in actual play would that count as a double hit?

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Yes, you made a stroke at the ball and then hit it again so a double hit.

 

[rulefan]

The definition of a stroke doesn't require the club to hit the ball, only the intention to strike and move it. You did that but then, separately, hit it.

As Decision 14-4/3 says "Even though the club itself did not initially strike the ball, the ball was put into motion due to the stroke; therefore, Rule 14-4 applies".

 

[cliveb]

OK, thanks for the replies.