
Is There a Penalty for Hitting Another Golf Ball on the Green? According to the USGA’s rules on accidental ball movement on the green, there is no penalty incurred for either player if a ball is accidentally hit. This means that if your opponent accidentally hits your ball while it’s on the green, neither of you would get a penalty.
What happens if your ball hits another ball on the Green?
If it’s stroke play, and if your ball in motion hits another ball at rest on the putting green – and both balls were on the green before the stroke – you’re going to pay a hefty price. You’ve fallen foul of an exception to Rule 11.1a, Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Person or Outside Influence, and it’s a two stroke penalty.
When can you not play a golf ball from the Green?
There are two occasions when you wouldn’t play it as it lies under Rule 11.1b. The first is if the ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest on any person, animal or moving outside influence. In that case you have to take relief.
Is there a penalty when two golf balls collide?
Whether there is a penalty when two golf balls collide depends on where the balls were before the stroke was played. If both balls were on the green, the golfer whose ball was in motion is penalized. If neither ball, or only one golf ball, was on the green, there is no penalty to either golfer.
What is the penalty for hitting the Green on the Green?
There will be no penalty incurred, and in match play, also no penalty. If you putt your ball, and it strikes a competitors ball (which is also on the green) you will incur a 2 shot penalty (stroke play only).

What happens if a golf ball hits another ball on the green?
Basically the player whose ball is in motion will absorb the penalty when collision between balls takes place in the putting green. It is going to be a 2-stroke penalty against the golfer whose stroke caused the collision. The golfer whose ball was at rest when struck will not be penalized.
What happens if your golf ball hits another player's ball?
Purpose of Rule: Rule 11 covers what to do if the player's ball in motion hits a person, animal, equipment or anything else on the course. When this happens accidentally, there is no penalty and the player normally must accept the result, whether favourable or not, and play the ball from where it comes to rest.
Is there a penalty for hitting another golf ball on the green 2022?
There is no penalty when a ball played from off the putting green (chipping) moves another ball. However, in stroke play, when a ball played from the putting green hits another ball on the putting green the person making the stroke incurs a penalty of two strokes.
What happens if you hit both golf balls on the green?
If both balls were on the green, the golfer whose ball was in motion is penalized. If neither ball, or only one golf ball, was on the green, there is no penalty to either golfer. In both scenarios, the golfer whose ball was in motion at the time of the collision must play her ball from where it comes to rest.
What is the rule for golf balls being lifted or moved by outside influence?
This is covered in Rule 9.6, Ball Lifted or Moved By Outside Influence. (Note: Another player's golf ball is included in the definition of "outside influence.") There is no penalty to either player as long as this procedure is followed:
What is Rule 11.1?
The ruling here is covered in Rule 11.1, Your Ball In Motion Accidentally Hits Person or Outside Influence.
What is scenario 1 in golf?
Scenario 1: Neither Ball, or Just One Ball, on the Green. This could mean the shot in question was a tee shot, or an approach played into a green, or any other scenario other than when both balls were on the green prior to making the stroke. For example, your fellow-competitor hits a tee shot, then you hit yours, ...
Who plays the ball as it lies?
The golfer whose shot struck the ball at rest plays his ball as it lies; the person whose ball was moved returns the ball to its original position.
Is there a penalty for hitting a golf ball in match play?
In match play, there is no penalty. In stroke play, it's a 2-stroke penalty to the player whose ball was in motion when the balls collided. Repeat: It's not a penalty against the golfer whose ball was at rest when it was hit; the penalty is against the golfer whose ball was in motion when the collision happened.
Where do you drop a golf ball?
You’ll drop if the ball is off the green, or place it on the “estimated spot right under where the ball first came to rest on the person, animal or moving outside influence” when the ball is on the putting surface.
Where was Player 1 in the golf game?
Player 1 was on the wide right of the 15th fairway, approximately 110 yards from the green. Player 2 was on the left of the fairway approximately 120 yards from the green. “Both played almost simultaneously and the balls very nearly collided in mid air as their flight paths crossed.
Does the stroke count as a ball replacement?
This one’s actually a bit more likely. In this case, the stroke doesn’t count and the ball must be replaced on its original spot. If you’ve forgotten where that was, estimate as best you can.
Have a question for our Rules of Golf expert?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
What happens if you don't replace the ball in a match?
NOTE: Failure to replace the ball that was moved to its original spot; or moving the ball that did the striking (rather than playing it as it lies) results in loss of hole in match play or a 2-stroke penalty in stroke play . If you aren't certain where the ball at rest was before it was knocked away by the colliding ball, use your best judgment to return it to a spot nearest where it most likely was.
What happens if you hit a ball on the fairway?
On the Fairway. If your ball strikes a fellow players ball on the fairway by accident, both players will play from where their balls lie. There will be no penalty incurred. Playing onto the green.
Do you get a penalty for hitting a competitor's ball on the green?
There will be no penalty incurred, and in match play, also no penalty. On the Green. If you putt your ball, and it strikes a competitors ball (which is also on the green) you will incur a 2 shot penalty (stroke play only). Your ball will be played from where it lies, and your friend's ball returned to its original resting position.
What happens if you accidentally hit your ball on the green?
According to the USGA’s rules on accidental ball movement on the green, there is no penalty incurred for either player if a ball is accidentally hit. This means that if your opponent accidentally hits your ball while it’s on the green, neither of you would get a penalty.
What happens when a golf ball hits another golf ball into the hole?
What happens when a golf ball hits another ball into the hole? If the ball that is in play hits a ball that is at rest and then proceeds to roll into the hole, then it counts as a holed ball. However, if the ball at rest is holed, it must be replaced, and positioned back to its original position.
Why Does the ‘Ball-in-Motion’ Stay Where It Rolls?
A question that came to my mind was, if the ball in motion, is obstructed by an object, how come the golfer doesn’t get to redo their shot? After looking at the regulations put in by the USGA, rule 11.1b essentially states that unless the object that obstructed the ball-in-motion is a moving object (such as an animal, person, etc.), the ball must stay where it is.
Why Does the Ball-at-Rest Need to Be Replaced?
A player’s ball can not be moved once it is at rest. The ball can only move when it is that player’s turn.
What happens when the red ball collides with the blue ball?
As you can see, after the red ball collides with the blue ball (noted by the blue dot and blue arrow) , it then goes into the hole. The ball in play is counted as a holed ball, and no further action is required. The ball in blue must be placed back onto its original spot on the green.
Is the USGA changing the rules on ball movement?
The USGA says that many of these new rules regarding penalties for ball movement favor the players more so in comparison to the previous rules.
Can an opponent hit another player's ball?
An opponent could deliberately hit another player’s ball to put them at a disadvantage. To help you understand why this rule is in place, say for example, you and your opponent are on the green, and rather than aiming for the hole, your opponent aims for your ball. Now, your opponent hits your ball, causing it to roll off ...
What happens when a golf ball goes short of the hole?
As you can see, the player's ball goes short of the hole and rolls back down the green. As it comes back towards him, it hits his playing partner's ball.
What is a stroke penalty in golf?
In stroke play = two stroke penalty for a player’s ball after a stroke on the putting green, hitting a ball at rest on the putting green.
Can a ball be marked while struck?
The ball at rest was permitted to be marked whilst the struck ball was in motion . (There aren’t many objects that are permitted to be moved while a ball is in motion).
Is golf a game?
Golf is a game that can confuse its players, especially if you are new to the sport and you are finding your feet with its rules and regulations.
Should you mark your ball on the green?
This is why you should always mark your ball on the green when you are waiting your turn. To be fair, the video does show a situation where hitting another ball is unlikely, but it can happen.
What happens when a golf ball lies through the green?
When the ball lies “through the green” (i.e., just about anywhere that’s not the tee, the green or a hazard), interference caused by abnormal ground conditions (such as casual water) or immovable obstructions (like cart paths) includes the stance, and you’re entitled to relief.
What happens when you hit your opponent's ball in match play?
In match play, however, there’s a potential twist: If your ball hits your opponent’s ball when they’re both in motion, and he’s played out of turn, you can call a do-over on these simultaneous shots and restore both balls to their original positions.
What is the rule for stroke play?
Rule 19-5b states that when a player’s ball in motion is deflected by another player’s ball in motion (neither one played from the putting green), each must play the ball as it lies without penalty.
When a ball would have come to rest anywhere on course except on putting green?
(...Continued) the original ball or another ball in this relief area Relief Area: The area where a player must drop a ball when taking relief under a Rule. Each relief Rule requires the player to use a specific relief area whose size and location are based on these three factors: (...Continued) (see Rule 14.3 ):
Where do you put the ball on the green?
When Ball Is on Putting Green. The player must place the original ball or another ball on the estimated spot right under where the ball first came to rest on the person, animal Animal: Any living member of the animal kingdom (other than humans), including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates (such as worms, insects, spiders and crustaceans). or moving outside influence Outside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:, using the procedures for replacing Replace: To place a ball by setting it down and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play. (...Continued) a ball under Rules 14.2b (2) and 14.2e .
What is Exception 2 in putting green?
Exception 2 – When Ball Played from Putting Green Accidentally Hits Any Person, Animal or Movable Obstruction (Including Another Ball in Motion) on Putting Green: The stroke Stroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball. (...Continued) does not count and the original ball or another ball must be replaced Replace: To place a ball by setting it down and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play. (...Continued) on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (see Rule 14.2 ), except in these two cases:
What is the rule for a ball in motion hitting a flagstick?
Ball in Motion Accidentally Hits Flagstick or Person Attending Flagstick. This is covered by Rule 13.2b (2), not by this Rule.
When ball would have come to rest out of bounds?
When Ball Would Have Come to Rest Out of Bounds. The player must take stroke-and-distance Stroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6). (...Continued) relief under Rule 18.2 .
What happens if a ball is played as it lies?
Ball Must Be Played as It Lies. If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence Outside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:, the ball must be played as it lies, except in two situations:
What is the purpose of Rule 11?
Purpose of Rule: Rule 11 covers what to do if the player’s ball in motion hits a person, animal, equipment or anything else on the course. When this happens accidentally, there is no penalty and the player normally must accept the result, whether favourable or not, and play the ball from where it comes to rest.
What happens if you don't move the ball back in golf?
However, the player whose ball was struck can incur a two-stroke penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play (which is kind of insane) if they don't move the ball back. If neither player saw the collision and couldn't have known about it, there's no penalty for not moving the ball back.
Do you get a penalty for a collision between two balls?
You don 't get a penalty under Rule 18-5, which says that when a collision happens between two balls and both aren't already on the putting surface that the player whose ball collided with the ball at rest plays their ball wherever it ends up stopping.
Is there a penalty for hitting a ball in match play?
In match play, under Rule 19-5, there is actually no penalty for the collision. In stroke play, though, there is a two-stroke penalty to the player who hit the shot that led to the collision with the ball at rest. Under this scenario, the same thing still happens to next shots.
Buffly
When player A lands on the green and, player B hits their approach into player A's ball does player A have the option to replace the ball in its original position or play it as it lies?
Kenny B
When player A lands on the green and, player B hits their approach into player A's ball does player A have the option to replace the ball in its original position or play it as it lies?
Middler
No option. Must be replaced as close to original spot as possible. B places as it lies.
DaveP043
I have only one thing to add to the other answers. Please please please learn how to find the rules online, download the app for your phone, and learn how to find things in the rules.
Buffly
Thank you @DaveP043 @Lacassem @Middler and @Kenny B for confirming that for me. I was pretty sure and you helped secure it.
DaveP043
Thank you @DaveP043 @Lacassem @Middler and @Kenny B for confirming that for me. I was pretty sure and you helped secure it.
Kenny B
I'm not so sure they actually know the rules. The spend every minute of their lives learning to hit the ball, and 5 minutes learning the rules.

The Ball at Rest vs. The Ball in Motion
Why Does The ‘Ball-In-Motion’ Stay Where It Rolls?
- A question that came to my mind was, if the ball in motion, is obstructed by an object, how come the golfer doesn’t get to redo their shot? After looking at the regulations put in by the USGA, rule 11.1b essentially statesthat unless the object that obstructed the ball-in-motion is a moving object (such as an animal, person, etc.), the ball must stay where it is. This is because the object shoul…
Why Does The Ball-At-Rest Need to Be Replaced?
- The ball at rest must be put back into its original spotfor two reasons: 1. A player’s ball can not be moved once it is at rest. The ball can only move when it is that player’s turn. 1. An opponent could deliberately hit another player’s ball to put them at a disadvantage. To help you understand why this rule is in place, say for example, you and your opponent are on the green, and rather than ai…
Is There A Penalty For Hitting Another Golf Ball on The Green?
- According to the USGA’s rules on accidental ball movementon the green, there is no penalty incurred for either player if a ball is accidentally hit. This means that if your opponent accidentally hits your ball while it’s on the green, neither of you would get a penalty. This change in ruling is actually quite new. The USGA says that many of these n...