What happens if another player deliberately moves my ball overhanging the hole in stroke play

The other player gets two penalty strokes and your ball must be replaced on the lip of the hole. The waiting time no longer applies once the ball is moved.

What the rule says

Under Rule 13.3b, if another player in stroke play deliberately lifts or moves your ball while it's overhanging the hole and the ten-second waiting time hasn't ended, that player receives the general penalty of two strokes. Your ball is treated as having come to rest and must be replaced on the lip of the hole. The waiting time under Rule 13.3a no longer applies after the ball is moved.

What you do next

Replace your ball on the lip of the hole where it was overhanging. You don't get to wait the ten seconds anymore — the ball is now treated as at rest. Play continues from there with no penalty to you. The player who moved the ball adds two strokes to their score for the hole.

How this differs from match play

In match play, the outcome is different: your ball is treated as holed with the previous stroke and the opponent gets no penalty. But in stroke play, the focus is on penalizing the player who deliberately interfered with a ball overhanging the hole, while restoring your ball to its position.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The ball is moved by natural forces (wind, gravity) before the waiting time ends → No penalty to anyone. If the ball falls in, it's holed with the previous stroke. If it moves away from the hole, replace it on the lip and the waiting time no longer applies.
• You accidentally move your own ball overhanging the hole while removing the flagstick → No penalty. Replace the ball on the lip and the waiting time no longer applies (Rule 13.3b/1).

Frequently asked questions

Does the player who moved my ball get disqualified?

No. They receive the general penalty of two strokes in stroke play. Disqualification would only apply for a serious breach or repeated offenses, not for this single act.

What if the ball falls in after being replaced?

Once the ball is replaced on the lip, the waiting time no longer applies. If it later falls in, you have holed out with the previous stroke but add one penalty stroke to your score for the hole (Rule 13.3a).

What counts as "deliberately" moving the ball?

Any intentional act — picking it up, tapping it, hitting it with a club or foot. Accidental contact (like brushing it while tending the flag) is not deliberate and carries no penalty to the other player.

Can I still tap the ball in after it's replaced?

Yes. The ball is now at rest on the lip. You putt it normally. The ten-second waiting period is gone — you don't get to wait and see if it falls on its own.

What if two players both deliberately move the ball?

Each player who deliberately moves the ball gets two penalty strokes. Your ball is still replaced on the lip once, and play continues.