What happens if your ball hits a spectator?

The situation

Your shot goes into the gallery and hits a spectator. The ball either drops straight down, bounces off them into a different position, or a spectator catches it.

The rule

A spectator is an outside influence. Under Rule 11.1a, if your ball accidentally hits a spectator, there is no penalty and you play the ball from where it comes to rest after impact. If a spectator deliberately stops or deflects your ball, that is interference by an outside influence under Rule 11.1b — you may replace the ball at the estimated spot where it would have come to rest without the interference, or play from where it ended up. If the ball is caught and its final position is impossible to estimate, you may replay the stroke. In professional tournaments, marshals and the committee handle these decisions.

Real example

Your drive veers into a spectator area and hits a marshal's chest, dropping straight down into the rough. No penalty — that's where the ball is, play it. If a spectator reaches out and catches the ball before it lands, you can estimate where it would have come to rest and place it there.

What to do on the course

• For an accidental hit: play from where ball ends up, no penalty
• If someone deliberately stopped it: call for a referee if available, or agree with playing partners on where it would have come to rest
• In casual rounds, reasonable common sense applies — put it where it most likely would have ended up
• Safety first — the rules concern comes after ensuring nobody is hurt

Penalty

No penalty for accidental contact. No penalty if spectator deliberately interfered (player may place ball at estimated resting spot).