Rules question · Rule 9.4b · Hard
Moved my ball with a practice swing: what is the penalty?
On the fairway you accidentally touch your ball with a practice swing. It rolls four inches away. What is the ruling?
Answer
One penalty stroke, and you replace the ball
If you cause your ball at rest to move, you get one penalty stroke and must replace it on its original spot. A practice swing is not a stroke, because you did not intend to strike the ball. Moving it is free of penalty only in exceptions, such as while searching or on the putting green.