What happens if the ball moves on the putting green?
If wind or gravity moves your ball on the green, play it from the new spot with no penalty (Rule 13.1d). If you or your caddie accidentally move it, take a one-stroke penalty and replace the ball (Rule 9.4b). If another player moves it, just replace it with no penalty to anyone (Rule 9.6).
The situation
Your ball is on the green, waiting to be putted, and it moves — either rolling on its own down the slope, blown by the wind, or accidentally nudged by you, your partner, or another player in the group.
The rule
The cause determines everything. Under Rule 13.1d, if natural forces (wind, gravity on a slope) move your ball on the green, no penalty and you play from the new spot. If you or your caddie accidentally move it, that's Rule 9.4b: 1-stroke penalty, replace the ball. If another player moves it accidentally, Rule 9.6 applies: no penalty to either player, replace the ball. One important exception: if your ball was already marked and then replaced, and it subsequently moves due to natural forces, you must replace it — the ball was in a "set" position.
Real example
You're reading your putt and a gust of wind nudges your ball six inches. No penalty — putt from the new spot. But if you accidentally step on the ball while reading the line, that's a 1-stroke penalty — replace it.
What to do on the course
- Wind moved it: no penalty, play from new spot (unless previously lifted and replaced — then replace it)
- You moved it: 1-stroke penalty, replace in original position — except if you accidentally moved it while repairing damage on the green (ball marks, spike marks, etc.), where Rule 13.1d gives you a free replacement with no penalty
- Another player moved it: no penalty, replace in original position
- When in doubt whether wind or your action caused it, the benefit of the doubt goes to natural forces if there's any wind at all
- If video review is involved: Committees apply the "naked eye" standard — video showing a breach invisible to the naked eye (e.g., a ball oscillating a fraction) is disregarded under Rule 20.2c. See what happens if video shows a breach I couldn't see.
Penalty
No penalty for natural forces. 1-stroke penalty if you or your caddie caused the movement.
Exceptions that change the answer
- the ball is embedded in sand in a part of the general area that is not cut to fairway height or less, or playing the ball as it lies is clearly unreasonable because of something from which the player is not allowed to take free relief → relief under Rule 16.3b is not allowed
Frequently asked questions
What if wind moves my ball on the green after I've marked and replaced it?
If your ball was already marked, lifted, and replaced, and then wind or gravity moves it, you must replace it on the original spot with no penalty — the ball was considered 'set' in position (Rule 13.1d Exception).
Do I get a penalty if I accidentally kick my ball on the putting green?
Yes, if you or your caddie accidentally cause your ball to move on the green, you get a one-stroke penalty and must replace the ball on its original spot (Rule 9.4b).
What happens if my playing partner accidentally moves my ball on the green?
If another player (or their caddie/equipment) accidentally moves your ball on the green, there is no penalty to anyone — you simply replace the ball on its original spot (Rule 9.6).
How do I know if wind or my putter caused the ball to move?
When it's unclear whether wind or your action moved the ball, the benefit of the doubt goes to natural forces if there's any wind at all — so you'd play from the new spot with no penalty.
Can I just play from the new spot if gravity rolls my ball down a slope?
Yes, if gravity on a slope causes your ball to move on the green and it wasn't previously marked and replaced, you play from the new spot with no penalty (Rule 13.1d).