What happens if my ball moves on the green after I've replaced it?

No penalty. If your ball moves on the putting green after you've marked, lifted, and replaced it, you simply replace it on its original spot. Rule 13.1d treats this as if the ball never moved.

What the rule says

Rule 13.1d states there is no penalty for accidentally causing your ball or ball-marker to move on the putting green. This applies whether the ball moves before or after you've replaced it. The key is that the ball must have been properly marked and lifted first under Rule 14.1, then replaced on its original spot under Rule 14.2. Once that's done, any subsequent accidental movement — whether from wind, a practice swing, your foot, or anything else — carries no penalty.

What you actually do

You replace the ball on its original spot. That's it. No stroke added, no drop, no re-tee. If you're not 100% certain of the exact spot, you estimate it as best you can — Rule 14.2c covers that. The rule exists because the putting green is a special area where players are constantly marking, lifting, cleaning, and replacing balls, and the Rules don't want to punish the inevitable small movements that happen there.

When this doesn't apply

This protection only works on the putting green. If your ball is in the fringe, fairway, rough, or anywhere else and moves after replacement, different rules apply — usually Rule 9.4 with a one-stroke penalty. Also, if you deliberately cause the ball to move (like swiping at it in frustration), you get the general penalty under Rule 11.3. The 'no penalty' clause is strictly for accidental movement on the putting green.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You placed the ball on the green to take free relief from an abnormal course condition (like temporary water) under Rule 16.1d → The ball is treated as if it had been lifted and replaced under Rule 13.1d(2). If it moves after that, same deal — no penalty, just replace it on the spot where you placed it for relief.

Frequently asked questions

My ball moved after I replaced it but before I removed my ball-marker. Penalty?

No penalty. Rule 13.1d covers the ball after it's been replaced, whether the marker is still there or not. Just put the ball back on its original spot.

Wind moved my ball on the green after I replaced it. What now?

No penalty. Replace the ball on its original spot. Natural forces like wind are treated the same as accidental player movement on the putting green under Rule 13.1d.

I accidentally kicked my ball on the green after replacing it. Is that a penalty?

No penalty. Accidental movement by the player, caddie, or equipment on the putting green is explicitly covered by Rule 13.1d. Replace it and play on.

What if I can't remember the exact original spot after the ball moved?

Estimate the spot as best you can and replace the ball there. Rule 14.2c says your reasonable judgment is accepted even if technology later shows it was slightly wrong.

Does this apply if my ball moves on the fringe after replacement?

No. Rule 13.1d only applies on the putting green. On the fringe or anywhere else, accidental movement after replacement usually means a one-stroke penalty under Rule 9.4b and you must replace it.