Picking up ball and cleaning by fellow competitor.

[3offTheTee]

2 balls were next to each other in the bunker today and I assume it would not have made any difference if on the fairway.

Player A picked up player B's ball and unintentionally cleaned it as it ended up in his pocket and when he picked it up it was in the palm of his hand.

Player B has gained an advantage but it is not his fault.

I am aware of the penalty if player B had cleaned the ball but is there a penalty in this case? Player B did not ask him to pick the ball up.

Is there any penalty please?

 

[Colin L]

In stroke play, no penalty. In match play, A incurs a 1 stroke penalty for moving his opponent's ball.