New Golf Rules Explained: Accidental Movement of Golf Ball on Putting Green

In 2019, the USGA, R&A, along with the input of the PGA tour and others, implemented thirty changes to the Rules of Golf. All with the goal of making the game more player friendly, easier to understand, and improve pace of play. Not all of the changes will apply at prestigious amateur competitions or the pro tours, which means you the recreational golfer will benefit the most of the rules changes.

To ensure you are informed Mr Topes Golf broke down the most important rules of golf changes, what they are and what they mean for you.

Golf Rule Explained: Is there a penalty when I accidentally moved my ball on the putting green?

Old Rule: If an outside agency moves a ball at rest, there is no penalty; the player must replace the ball. In general, an outside agency is anything other than a player, caddie, a ball in play on the hole or a player’s equipment. Wind and water aren’t considered outside agencies. (see Rule 8.1)  

If a player, his partner or either of their caddies moves, picks up or purposely touches the ball (except with the club during address), or the player’s or partner’s equipment causes the ball to move, there’s a one-stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced.  (see Rule 8.2)  

In match play, there’s no penalty if the player, opponent, caddie or his equipment causes the ball to move while searching for it. The ball must be replaced, however. If the opponent or his caddie intentionally moves the ball, other than during a search, the opponent is penalized one stroke.  (see Rule 8.3) 

In stroke play, if a player’s competitor, his caddie or equipment moves the ball (intentionally or not), there’s no penalty and the ball must be replaced.  (see Rule 8.4) 

A ball in play and at rest must be replaced, at no penalty, if another ball hits it.  (see Rule 8.5) 

There’s no penalty if a ball or ball marker is moved while measuring distance on the green; the ball must be replaced.  (see Rule 8.6) 

New Rule: Rule 13.1d says there will be no longer a penalty if a player or opponent accidentally causes the player’s ball to move on the putting green. And Rule 9.2 states that the “known or virtually certain” standard (meaning at least 95% likely) will apply to all questions about why a ball at rest moved. For example, are you certain wind caused that ball on the green to wiggle, and not your waggle behind it? No penalty.

How Does this Help You: The new rule means you no longer need to worry while addressing a putt on a windy day. If the ball moves while your putter is behind the ball, no penalty.  Anything done on accident is penalty-free.  Way simpler than the old rule, right?