There is no automatic penalty merely because a ball moves after address. If natural forces moved it, play it from the new spot in most cases. If you caused it to move, the usual result is one penalty stroke and the ball must be replaced, unless a specific exception applies.
The old idea that movement after address automatically belonged to the player is no longer the rule. Use the known-or-virtually-certain standard to identify the cause.
Identify the cause
- Natural forces such as wind or gravity.
- The player, partner or caddie.
- An opponent in match play.
- An outside influence such as another person, animal or moving object.
In the general area
If natural forces move the ball, play from the new spot without penalty. If you caused it to move, replace it and add one penalty stroke unless an exception applies, such as certain accidental movements during a search.
Special rule on the putting green
If a ball was already lifted and replaced on the putting green, and then natural forces move it, replace it on its original spot. If it had not yet been lifted and replaced, play it from the new spot.
Accidentally moving a ball or marker on the putting green normally carries no penalty, but the ball or marker must be replaced.
The essential point
Do not decide from the word ‘address’. Establish the cause, check the area of the course and then either play from the new spot or replace the ball as the rule requires.
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.