Rules question · Rule 14.2b · Expert
Dropped my ball instead of placing it when replacing: is there a penalty?
While searching in the rough you accidentally move your ball. Instead of placing it, you drop it on its spot. It stays exactly there and you play it. What is the ruling?
Answer
One penalty stroke
Accidentally moving your ball during search is free, but you must replace it. Replacing means setting it down by hand and letting go. If you drop it and it stays on the right spot, you get one penalty stroke. If it bounces somewhere else and you play it from there, it is two penalty strokes for playing from a wrong place.