Rule of the Week - 18-2a/5

18-2a/5 Ball in Hazard Moves After Loose Impediment Outside Hazard Moved

Q:A player's ball lies in a hazard. He moves a loose impediment which lies outside the hazard but is near the ball. Before the player addresses the ball, it moves. Is the player penalized?

A:It is a question of fact whether the player caused the ball to move. If he did so, he incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a and the ball must be replaced. Otherwise, the ball is played as it lies without penalty.