What if your ball is moved by an animal, another player, or the wind?
By The Fairway Labs TeamReviewed
General play
Penalty: None
What if your ball is moved by an animal, another player, or the wind?
PenaltyNone· under Rule 9.6
What to do
- 1Figure out whether an outside influence (person, animal, vehicle) or natural forces (wind, gravity) moved the ball.
- 2If an outside influence caused it, replace the ball on its original spot with no penalty.
- 3If wind or gravity caused it, play the ball from its new spot — no replacement, no penalty.
- 4Estimate the original spot if you’re not sure exactly where the ball was.
Based on the modern Rules of Golf (Rule 9.6), 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
Get better at golf, one email at a time
Join the newsletter for new beginner guides, honest gear reviews, and tips that actually lower your scores. No spam, ever.