What happens if you cause a ball at rest to move without touching it?

Yes, you get a one-stroke penalty and must replace the ball. Under Rule 9.4, if your actions cause a ball at rest to move — even without touching it, like fanning it with a towel — it counts as you moving it. The only exceptions are on the putting green or during a fair search.

When the penalty applies

Rule 9.4 says if you cause your ball at rest to move, you add one stroke and put the ball back. This covers any action you take that makes the ball move — waving a hat near it, fanning with a towel, kicking up debris that hits it, or even your shadow if it somehow shifts the ball. The key question is whether your action was the cause. If it was, the penalty applies unless an exception saves you.

The two main exceptions

First, on the putting green: if you accidentally cause your ball to move there, no penalty — just replace it (Rule 13.1d). This includes bumping it with your putter, dropping a marker on it, or fanning it with a towel. Second, during a fair search for your ball: if you or anyone helping you moves the ball while looking for it, no penalty — replace it (Rule 7.4). Everywhere else on the course, causing the ball to move without touching it still costs you a stroke.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Ball moves on the putting green → No penalty — replace the ball (Rule 13.1d).
• Ball moves during a fair search → No penalty — replace the ball (Rule 7.4).

Frequently asked questions

I fanned my ball with a towel on the fairway and it moved. Penalty?

Yes, one stroke. You caused it to move, so Rule 9.4 applies. Replace the ball.

Same thing on the green — penalty?

No. On the putting green, accidental movement by you carries no penalty under Rule 13.1d. Just put it back.

My playing partner fanned my ball with their hat. What now?

They get no penalty, but you must replace your ball. If it was deliberate, they could be disqualified for serious misconduct.

I was searching for my ball in the rough and stepped on it — it moved.

No penalty during a fair search (Rule 7.4). Replace the ball where it was.

Does 'cause to move' include things like vibration from my cart?

If your cart's vibration or exhaust moves the ball, yes — that's your equipment causing movement. One stroke, replace it.