Opponent moved my ball in match play

Your opponent gets a one-stroke penalty for lifting or moving your ball at rest, unless they were conceding a stroke, hole, or match, or you asked them to move it. Either way, you replace the ball on its original spot — estimate if you're not sure.

What happens when your opponent moves your ball

In match play, Rule 9.5 kicks in the moment it's known or virtually certain your opponent (or their caddie) lifted your ball at rest or caused it to move. The fix is simple: the ball goes back to its original spot. If nobody knows the exact spot, you estimate it as best you can and replace it there. You never play it from the new location. The only times you don't replace it are when your opponent is conceding your next stroke, the hole, or the match — or when you asked them to lift it because you were taking relief or moving the ball to a different spot under a Rule. In those cases, the concession stands or you proceed with your relief.

When your opponent gets a penalty — and when they don't

Normally, lifting or deliberately touching your ball at rest, or causing it to move, costs your opponent one penalty stroke. But there are three clear exceptions where they walk away clean. First, no penalty if they're conceding your next stroke, the hole, or the match, or if they lifted it at your request. Second, no penalty if they marked and lifted your ball on the putting green by mistake, thinking it was their own. Third, no penalty if they accidentally moved it while doing something Rule 9.4b allows — like searching for it, identifying it, or removing a loose impediment on the green.

Don't play from the wrong spot

If you don't replace the ball and instead play it from where it ended up, that's playing from a wrong place. In match play, that's loss of hole — the general penalty under Rule 14.7a. So take the ten seconds to put it back where it belongs. It's the only way to avoid handing the hole away.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Opponent concedes your next stroke, the hole, or the match → No penalty for lifting or moving the ball; concession stands, ball not replaced
• Opponent lifts the ball at your request → No penalty; you proceed with your intended relief or replacement
• Opponent marks and lifts your ball on the putting green, mistaking it for theirs → No penalty; ball must be replaced on its original spot
• Opponent accidentally moves your ball while searching, identifying, or removing a loose impediment on the green → No penalty under Exception 3 (mirrors Rule 9.4b exceptions); ball must be replaced

Frequently asked questions

Can I make my opponent replace my ball if they moved it?

Yes. The ball must always be replaced on its original spot (or estimated spot) regardless of whether your opponent gets a penalty. You never play it from the new location.

What if my opponent accidentally kicks my ball while searching for theirs?

No penalty. Exception 3 covers accidental movement during search. Replace your ball on its original spot and carry on.

My opponent marked and lifted my ball on the green, thinking it was theirs. Penalty?

No penalty — Exception 2 applies. But they still have to replace your ball on its original spot.

I played my ball from where my opponent moved it to. What's the penalty?

Loss of hole. That's playing from a wrong place in match play — general penalty under Rule 14.7a. Always replace first.