Is it a penalty if you accidentally move your ball while searching?
By The Fairway Labs TeamReviewed
General play
Penalty: None
Is it a penalty if you accidentally move your ball while searching?
PenaltyNone· under Rule 7.4
What to do
- 1Note the ball’s original spot (or your best estimate) before it moved.
- 2Replace the ball on that spot — no penalty applies, even though you caused it.
- 3This covers searches anywhere on the course, including bunkers and penalty areas.
Based on the modern Rules of Golf (Rule 7.4), as published by the USGA and The R&A and effective from the 2019 revision. Local rules can modify some situations — check the scorecard or with the committee when in doubt.
Related rulings
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