Rules question · Rule 9.5b · Expert
Opponent accidentally kicks my ball: what is the ruling in match play?
In match play your opponent walks across the fairway and accidentally kicks your ball at rest. What is the ruling?
Answer
Your opponent gets one penalty stroke, and you replace the ball
If your opponent in match play causes your ball at rest to move, they get one penalty stroke, even if it was an accident. You replace the ball. It is free of penalty for them only in exceptions, such as while searching for the ball or on the putting green. In stroke play there would be no penalty, because another player is an outside influence there.