If a moving ball accidentally hits a person, animal or equipment, there is normally no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. Important exceptions apply when the deflection was deliberate or when a ball played from the putting green hits a person, animal or movable obstruction on the green.
The rule focuses on whether the contact was accidental. Do not confuse it with moving a ball at rest.
The normal result
- 01
A shot from the fairway hits your bag accidentally: no penalty; play it as it lies.
- 02
A ball strikes another player accidentally: no penalty; play it as it lies.
- 03
A moving ball hits an animal: usually no penalty; play it as it lies.
If the ball comes to rest on a person, animal or moving outside influence, a specific relief procedure determines where it must be placed or dropped.
Special case on the putting green
If a ball played from the putting green accidentally hits a person, animal or movable obstruction on the green, the stroke generally does not count and the ball must be replaced. There are exceptions, including contact with another ball at rest or certain natural objects.
Deliberate deflection
A player must not deliberately position equipment or take an action intended to affect where a ball in motion may go. Deliberate deflection is handled under a different rule and can bring the general penalty.
The essential point
For an accidental deflection, the usual answer is no penalty and play as it lies. Check the putting-green and deliberate-action exceptions before continuing.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
Is your question still unanswered?
Send it to me, or point out anything unclear. I cannot answer every message immediately, but I review suggestions for future guides.