The answer is slightly different depending on the situation. If the ball is at rest, then moved by the animal, it must be replaced (Rule 18-1). If the ball is in motion after a stroke, then the stroke is cancelled and the ball must again be replaced and the stroke replayed (Rule 19-1).
What happens if a golf ball hits an animal?
Say, for example, a ball that in motion hits, or comes into contact with, an animal as we saw in the case of Fleetwood. Rule 11.1 applies. It states there will be no penalty to any player “if a player’s ball accidentally hits any person or outside influence”. The ball must be played as it lies, except in two circumstances.
How do you get a golf ball out of an animal?
You either need to place the original ball (or a replacement) at the estimated point under where it came to rest on the animal, or, take a free drop one club-length from the original spot and no closer to the hole.
Will a bird take your golf ball?
I hadn’t actually seen any bird take anything let alone my golf ball. It turns out you need to actually see, or be virtually certain that a bird (or any outside agency) moves or takes your golf ball.
When does a ball come to rest on an animal?
The other is when a ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest on an animal. In that case, turn to Rule 11.1b and take free relief.
What happens if a bird takes your golf ball?
According to Rule 18-1, when a ball has been moved by an outside agency, you have to replace it at the spot where it was picked up. For you, that means back in the rough. If you don't know exactly where the bird grabbed your ball, you can approximate it (Rule 20-3c). Either way, there is no penalty.
What happens if a dog picks up a golf ball?
There is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). This applies whether or not the player's ball has been found'. This will cover most circumstances you'll find on the course but not quite all.
What animals steal golf balls?
Crows and ravens are particularly fond of round objects, which they mistake for nuts or eggs. They often snatch them off golf courses and driving ranges. They then fly away with them and try to crack them open by pecking at them or dropping them from the air. Gulls also will take golf balls and try to open them.
Why do foxes take golf balls?
Experts believe the fox on Skidaway Island in Georgia is mistaking golf balls for eggs—a popular food for the animal that's high in nutrients—and possibly taking them back to its den.
Do squirrels pick up golf balls?
The furry critters regularly sprint from the bush, scoop golf balls from the green, and run off with them, particularly around the 10th and 18th holes.
What to do if you think your dog swallowed a golf ball?
If you suspect your pet may have eaten something they shouldn't have, do not hesitate to contact us immediately for veterinary attention or advice.
Do foxes take balls?
Wild foxes apparently like to play with balls that are left overnight in the backyard.
Do crows steal golf balls?
Crows are causing havoc at a golf course by swooping down and stealing up to seven balls a day. Players at Headingley Golf Club in Leeds encounter the hazard on the first, second and 18th holes.
Do foxes play with balls?
Foxes love to play, particularly with things that smell good – old shoes, dog chews, balls and gardening gloves are favourite items.
Can cats befriend foxes?
Every night a single fox will meet many, perhaps dozens of cats and most encounters are either indifferent or amicable. Cats and foxes will usually ignore each other. However, some cats are aggressive animals and will go for a fox, sometimes to drive it away from their garden or food bowl.
How to play golf with an animal?
Take a drop of one club length and no nearer the hole. If it comes to rest against an animal on the green, place the ball on the estimated spot “right under where the ball first came to rest” on the animal. Don’t play the ball as it lies as you’ll get a two shot penalty if you do. Rules of Golf.
What happens if a golf ball hits an animal on the green?
If, when on the green, it accidentally hits an animal on the putting surface, the stroke doesn’t count and the ball must be replaced. The other is when a ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest against an animal.
What is the rule for a ball being lifted?
If your ball is lifted or moved then you are covered by Rule 9.6. It says that ‘if it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence lifted or moved a player’s ball: There is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). This applies whether or not the player’s ball has been found’. ...
What is the rule for a ball that hits an animal?
Say, for example, a ball that in motion hits, or comes into contact with, an animal as we saw in the case of Fleetwood. Rule 11.1 applies. It states there will be no penalty to any player “if a player’s ball accidentally hits any person or outside influence”. The ball must be played as it lies, except in two circumstances.
Is golf full of critters?
Golf courses are full of critters so it’s not unusual that, occasionally, they get involved with a round. This is how you deal with it under the Rules of Golf
What happens when a golf ball hits an animal?
If, when on the green, it accidentally hits an animal – and use the known or virtually certain standard to decide whether it has – the stroke doesn’t count and a ball must be replaced on its original spot. The other is when a ball, played from anywhere except the green, comes to rest on an animal.
What is the rule for a ball hitting an animal?
Say, for example, your ball is in motion and it hits, or comes into contact with, an animal. Now Rule 11.1 applies. It states there will be no penalty to any player “if a player’s ball accidentally hits any person or outside influence”. The ball must be played as it lies, except in a couple of circumstances.
What happens if you can't find the ball?
If you can’t do that, and you can’t find the ball, you’ll have to take stroke-and-distance and a penalty shot along with it. Rule 9.6 will cover most close encounters with the animal kingdom but not quite all. Say, for example, your ball is in motion and it hits, or comes into contact with, an animal. Now Rule 11.1 applies.
What happens if your golf ball hits a bird mid flight?
It would be an extremely unfortunate incident, both for yourself and for the bird, but if your ball is sailing towards the middle of the fairway and it strikes a bird mid-flight, it could end up anywhere. In 2018 at the Senior Open Championship at St Andrews, 18-time European Tour winner Mark James hit his tee shot at the 17th hole, ...
What happens if a ball hits someone?
If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person or outside influence, the ball must be played as it lies, except in two situations: Exception 1 – When Ball Played from Anywhere Except Putting Green Comes to Rest on Any Person, Animal or Moving Outside Influence: The player must not play the ball as it lies.
