What happens if your ball moves while searching for it?

The situation

You're in thick rough or under a bush looking for your ball. You push some grass aside, and the ball rolls out or shifts position. Or your caddie accidentally kicks it while walking through the rough.

The rule

Under Rule 7.4, if a player or caddie accidentally moves a ball while searching for it, there is no penalty. The ball must be replaced in its original position (or your best estimate of where it was). This protection applies to any player in the group — even an opponent or fellow-competitor searching nearby can accidentally move your ball without either of you incurring a penalty.

Real example

Your tee shot is somewhere in the tall grass on the left. While pressing the grass down to look for it, you hear a click — you've kicked the ball about a yard away. No penalty. Replace it where it was (estimate the original spot), and play from there.

What to do on the course

• Replace the ball at the estimated original position before playing
• No penalty stroke added
• If you can't determine the original spot, place it in the area where it most likely was
• The 3-minute search time limit still runs from when you started searching — movement doesn't reset the clock

Penalty

No penalty. Replace the ball and play from the original position.