My caddie lifted my ball in the fairway without asking — what now?

Yes, there's a penalty. If your caddie lifts your ball in the fairway without your specific permission for that lift, you get one penalty stroke and must replace the ball (Rule 14.1b, Rule 9.4).

Key distinction: This is not the same as your caddie accidentally kicking or moving your ball (Rule 9.4b). A "lift" is an intentional pickup — even if well-meaning — and Rule 14.1b requires your specific authorization for that lift. A blanket "clean my ball whenever" doesn't count.

What the rule says

Only you or someone you authorize for that specific lift may pick up your ball. A general "go ahead" for the round doesn't count. The caddie can lift without asking only on the putting green, or when it's obvious you're about to take relief under a Rule. The fairway is neither of those places.

What you do next

Replace the ball on its original spot (or estimate it if the exact spot isn't known). Add one penalty stroke to your score for the hole. If you play from the wrong place without correcting it, the penalty becomes the general penalty — two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play.

When the caddie can lift in the fairway

If you've already said something like "I'm taking relief from this sprinkler head" or you're clearly measuring for a drop, the caddie may lift without a fresh okay. But a silent pickup while you're still deciding? That's the penalty.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Ball is on the putting green → Caddie may lift without authorization (Rule 14.1b Exception).
• It's reasonable to conclude you'll take relief under a Rule → Caddie may lift without authorization (Rule 14.1b Exception).

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter if the caddie meant to help?

No. Intent doesn't change the penalty. Unauthorized lift = one stroke, period.

What if I told my caddie at the start of the round to clean my ball whenever?

That blanket permission doesn't count. Authorization must be given each time before the lift (Rule 14.1b).

Do I have to replace the ball exactly where it was?

Yes. Replace on the original spot. If you don't know the exact spot, estimate it as best you can (Rule 14.2c).

What if I play the ball from where the caddie set it down?

You've played from a wrong place. In stroke play that's the general penalty (two strokes) instead of the one-stroke penalty for the unauthorized lift.

Can the caddie lift my ball in the fairway to identify it?

Only you may lift to identify (Rule 7.3), or someone you authorize for that lift. A caddie acting alone still triggers the one-stroke penalty.