Can I replace my ball by rolling it with my club instead of by hand?

Only players who use an assistive mobility device — wheelchair, other wheeled mobility device, cane, or crutch — may replace a ball by rolling it with a club. Everyone else must place the ball by hand under Rule 14.2b.

What Rule 25.4e actually changes

The standard rule (14.2b) says a ball must be replaced by setting it down by hand and letting it stay there. Rule 25.4e modifies that definition for players who use an assistive mobility device — wheelchair, other wheeled device, cane, or crutch. For them, "replace" also includes rolling the ball with a club (or having someone else do it) to the required spot. The ball still has to end up on the exact original spot or the nearest spot with the same lie, but the physical act of placing it by hand isn't required.

Who this applies to

Only players who are using an assistive mobility device during the round. If you're walking and carrying, or riding in a regular cart without a medical device, this doesn't apply — you have to place the ball by hand. The rule also lets your aide or caddie lift, drop, place, or replace your ball without specific authorization each time, which goes hand-in-hand with the expanded replacement method.

What happens if you do it anyway

If you don't use an assistive mobility device and you roll the ball into place with your club instead of placing it by hand, you haven't properly replaced it. That's a one-stroke penalty under Rule 14.2b, and you have to correct the mistake by placing it properly before the next stroke. If you don't correct it and play from the wrong spot, it becomes the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play).

Note: This rule (25.4e) is different from Rule 25.3d, which allows amputees to replace their ball using equipment like a club — even if they don't use a mobility device. See Can I replace my ball using a club or equipment instead of my hand if I'm an amputee? for that separate modification.

Exceptions that change the answer

• You use an assistive mobility device (wheelchair, wheeled mobility device, cane, or crutch) → You may replace the ball by rolling it with a club or having another person do so; placing by hand is not required.

Frequently asked questions

Can I roll my ball with my putter to replace it on the green?

Only if you use an assistive mobility device. Otherwise you must place it by hand — rolling it with a club counts as not properly replaced and costs a penalty stroke.

Does a regular golf cart count as an assistive mobility device?

No. Assistive mobility devices are wheelchairs, other wheeled mobility devices, canes, or crutches used for a medical condition. A standard golf cart doesn't qualify.

What if my caddie rolls the ball into place for me?

Same rule — only allowed if you use an assistive mobility device. For any other player, the caddie must place the ball by hand.

Do I have to announce that I'm replacing by rolling instead of placing?

No announcement needed. The expanded definition applies automatically when you're using an assistive mobility device.

What if I roll the ball and it doesn't stop on the exact spot?

You haven't completed the replacement. You must get the ball to the required spot (original spot or nearest spot with same lie) — rolling is just the method, the result still has to be correct.