moving opponents ball

[hovis]

What is the ruling for this please guy's

Whilst looking for a fellow competitors ball i decide to kick over a big pile of leaves To see if the ball is in there. Whilst doing so i kick his ball 5 inches towards the hole. I know the ball has to be replaced but do i get a penalty imposed on me?

 

[woody69]

No penalty
Rule 18-4 - By Fellow-Competitor, Caddie or Equipment in Stroke Play
If a fellow-competitor, his caddie or his equipment moves the player's ball, touches it or causes it to move, there is no penalty. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced.

 

[hovis]

Cheers buddy

 

[Colin L]

And there would be no penalty in match play either because it happened during a search for your opponent's ball. Otherwise it would cost you a stroke.