Nudging the ball at address

[thesheriff]

When addressing the ball for one of my many putts last nigh I nudged the ball before beginning my stroke. I wasn’t sure what to do so continued as normal to hit that putt and hole out after another couple of putts. Then I thought I'd better call a penalty on myself so came clean and added a stroke to my score for that hole. I know this was not the right thing to do.

I don’t think it moved at all, not even a dimple, so it probably wasn’t a penalty? Presumably the correct thing to do would have been to step away, admit to FCs you’ve nudged it but confirm it didn’t move from its spot then continue as normal. If it did move, call it out, put the ball back on its spot and continue as normal adding a 1 stroke penalty?

 

[louise_a]

Accidental movement of the ball on the green can now be covered by a local rule, which say the ball is replaced without penalty. Not all clubs have adopted it but it will become a rule in the next revision if the Rules of Golf.

 

[louise_a]

From the R&A

“Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows:

When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.

The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.

This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.

Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced."

 

[thesheriff]

From the R&A

“Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are modified as follows:

When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment.

The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1.

This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental.

Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ball-marker moved in such circumstances is replaced."

Thanks a lot.

 

[jim8flog]

You should have actually penalised yourself two shots for failing to replace the ball in it's original position, assuming that you had considered the ball to have moved by adding a one shot penalty.

You then should add a further two shot penalty after handing in your card for signing for a wrong score.

And then said Lexi Thompson you have my sympathy.

 

[KenL]

Did the ball move from where it was?

If it just rocked on its spot i dont think there is a penalty. This is my understanding prior to the new local rule.

 

[Colin L]

I don’t think it moved at all, not even a dimple, so it probably wasn’t a penalty? Presumably the correct thing to do would have been to step away, admit to FCs you’ve nudged it but confirm it didn’t move from its spot then continue as normal. If it did move, call it out, put the ball back on its spot and continue as normal adding a 1 stroke penalty?

If you were sure your ball did not move - i.e even if you made it wobble a bit, it was still in the same place afterwards, neither Rule 18-2 nor the new Local Rule are relevant. There is no penalty for touching the ball in the act of addressing it. You are correct just to carry on. Saying something to your FCs makes sense but isn't a requirement.

You are also correct in saying that if it did move you should replace it. Whether that incurs a penalty stroke depends on whether the Local Rule which Louise has explained is in place or not.

Failing to replace a ball after it has been accidentally moved on the putting green incurs a two stroke penalty whether or not the Local Rule is in place.