Can I clean my ball when lifting to identify it?
Yes, you can clean your ball when lifting it to identify it, but only as much as needed to identify it (Rule 14.1c). If you clean it more than necessary, you get one penalty stroke.
What the rule allows
When you lift your ball to identify it — say it's buried in rough or muddy — Rule 14.1c says you may clean it, but only enough to see the markings or number that tell you it's yours. You're not allowed to give it a full scrub; just wipe off the minimum mud or grass needed to confirm it's your ball.
What counts as "only as needed"
If the ball has a thick layer of mud, you can wipe away just enough to see the identification mark. Once you can read the number or see your mark, stop. Rubbing it clean down to the white cover goes beyond what's allowed and triggers a one-stroke penalty under Rule 14.1c.
Penalty for over-cleaning
Clean the ball more than necessary and you add one penalty stroke to your score. You must also replace the ball on its original spot (which you should have marked before lifting). The penalty applies even if you didn't mean to clean it extra — tossing a muddy ball to your caddie who catches it with a towel can count as cleaning (Interpretation 14.1c/1).
Exceptions that change the answer
- Ball lifted on the putting green → May always be cleaned fully (Rule 13.1b), no identification limit applies.
- Ball lifted to see if cut or cracked → Cleaning is not allowed at all (Rule 4.2c(1)).
- Ball lifted because it interferes with play → Cleaning is not allowed (Rule 15.3b(2)).
- Ball lifted to see if relief is allowed → Cleaning not allowed unless you actually take relief (Rule 16.4).
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my ball completely when identifying it?
No. You may clean it only as much as needed to identify it — just enough to see your mark or the ball number. Full cleaning earns a one-stroke penalty (Rule 14.1c).
What if I accidentally clean it too much?
Intent doesn't matter. If the ball ends up cleaner than needed for identification, you get one penalty stroke and must replace it on its marked spot (Rule 14.1c).
Do I have to mark the ball before lifting to identify it?
Yes. Before lifting under any Rule that requires replacement, you must mark the spot — ball-marker behind or next to the ball, or a club on the ground (Rule 14.1a).
Can my caddie lift and clean the ball for me?
Your caddie may lift your ball only with your authorization each time, except on the putting green or when relief is clearly coming. If they clean it beyond the identification limit, you still get the penalty (Rule 14.1b).
What if I lift the ball thinking it's mine but it's not?
You still lifted to identify, so the same cleaning limit applies. Replace the wrong ball on its spot, then find and play your actual ball. No extra penalty for the mistaken lift itself.