Rules question · Rule 9.4b · Easy
Can I lift my ball on the fairway to clean it?
With no Local Rule in effect, you lift your ball in the middle of the fairway to clean it. What is the ruling?
Answer
One penalty stroke, and you replace it
In the general area you may only lift your ball when a Rule allows it, for example to identify it or to take relief. If you lift it for no such reason, you get one penalty stroke and must replace it. On the putting green, however, you may mark, lift and clean it at any time.