What happens if I move a divot?

No, there's no penalty under the Rules just for moving a divot. Rule 1.2a expects you to replace divots and care for the course, but failing to do so carries no automatic penalty — only the Committee can act if they decide it's serious misconduct.

What the rule actually says

Rule 1.2a lists "replacing divots" as one example of taking good care of the course, alongside smoothing bunkers and repairing ball-marks. The same Rule makes clear: "There is no penalty under the Rules for failing to act in this way." So if you kick a divot aside, forget to replace yours, or move one that's in your stance, the Rules of Golf don't add strokes to your score.

When the Committee can step in

The only way moving a divot turns into a sanction is if the Committee decides it's "serious misconduct" — behaviour so far removed from what's expected that disqualification is justified. The interpretation (1.2a/1) says they must weigh all circumstances and may warn you first. A single divot in the fairway almost never meets that bar; deliberately tearing up a putting green would.

Exceptions that change the answer

• A Code of Conduct is in effect as a Local Rule (Rule 1.2b) → The Committee can set its own penalties — one stroke, general penalty, or DQ — for failing to replace divots or other conduct breaches.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a penalty stroke if I don't replace my divot?

No. The Rules impose no penalty for failing to replace a divot. Only the Committee can sanction you, and only if they judge it serious misconduct.

What if I move a divot that's in my swing path?

Still no penalty under Rule 1.2a. The Rules don't penalise moving a loose divot, though other Rules (like improving conditions) could apply in specific cases — but that's outside 1.2a.

Can the Committee disqualify me for not fixing divots?

Only if they decide it's serious misconduct after considering everything. A one-off missed divot won't reach that threshold; a pattern of deliberate damage might.

Does a Code of Conduct change anything?

Yes. If the competition adopts a Code of Conduct under Rule 1.2b, the Committee can attach penalty strokes for not replacing divots or other conduct breaches.

Is a divot on the putting green treated differently?

Deliberately causing serious damage to a putting green is listed as an example of serious misconduct. A divot on the green is rare, but intentionally wrecking the surface can lead to DQ.