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Definition

Outside influence

Also searched as: spectator, animal, dog, bird, crow, golf cart, ball deflected, ball taken

Until 2019: outside agency

Any person, animal or object that can affect your ball. Not included are you, your partner, your opponent in match play, any of your caddies, and natural forces such as wind and water.

In stroke play, another player is an outside influence too. If they accidentally kick your ball, replace it without penalty. Another ball is also an outside influence.

If your ball has disappeared and it is known or virtually certain that an animal or a person took it, place another ball on the estimated spot without penalty. Without that certainty, the ball is lost.

If someone deliberately stops or deflects your ball in motion, you do not play it as it lies. Drop where it would most likely have come to rest. A putt is replayed. A player who does this gets the general penalty.

Until 2018 an outside influence was called an ‘outside agency’.

Step by step

  1. 1Ball at rest moved. Replace it on its original spot without penalty. If you don’t know the exact spot, estimate it.
  2. 2Ball in motion deflected. No penalty. Play the ball as it lies.
  3. 3Ball comes to rest on it. If it comes to rest on a person, an animal or a moving golf cart, drop without penalty within one club-length of the spot right underneath.
  4. 4Putt deflected. If a putt on the green accidentally hits another person or an animal, the stroke does not count. You putt again. Small animals such as insects are an exception.