What happens if I hit a moving ball?
You get a two-stroke penalty for making a stroke at a moving ball, unless one of three exceptions applies. The ball counts as moving any time it isn't at rest on a spot; a wobble that stays or returns to its original spot is not moving.
The basic rule
Rule 10.1d says you must not make a stroke at a moving ball. A ball is "moving" whenever it is not at rest on a spot. If your ball is rolling, bouncing, or sliding — even slowly — it's moving. If it's just wobbling (oscillating) but stays on or returns to its original spot, it's treated as at rest and you can play it. If you swing at a moving ball and none of the exceptions below apply, the stroke counts and you add two penalty strokes in stroke play (loss of hole in match play). You then play the ball as it lies.
When you're allowed to hit a moving ball
There are three situations where you can strike a moving ball without penalty: First, if the ball only starts moving after you've begun your backswing for the stroke. That situation is covered by Rule 9.1b, not Rule 10.1d — so no penalty under this rule. Second, if the ball is falling off the tee. That's covered by Rule 6.2b(5) — you can hit it or re-tee without penalty. Third, when the ball is moving in temporary water or in water in a penalty area. You may either make a stroke at the moving ball without penalty, or take relief under Rule 16.1 (temporary water) or Rule 17 (penalty area). If you take relief, you may lift the moving ball. In either case, you must not unreasonably delay play.
What to do in practice
If your ball is moving and none of the exceptions fit, stop. Don't swing. Wait for it to come to rest, then play it. If you're unsure whether it was still moving when you struck it, the benefit of the doubt goes to the player — but only if it genuinely had come to rest. In temporary water or a penalty area with moving water, you have a genuine choice: splash at it or take relief. Either is penalty-free. Just don't dawdle.
Exceptions that change the answer
- Ball begins moving only after you start your backswing → No penalty under Rule 10.1d; Rule 9.1b applies instead
- Ball is falling off the tee → No penalty under Rule 10.1d; Rule 6.2b(5) applies instead
- Ball is moving in temporary water or water in a penalty area → You may stroke the moving ball without penalty, or take relief under Rule 16.1 or 17
Frequently asked questions
Does a wobbling ball count as moving?
No. If the ball wobbles (oscillates) but stays on or returns to its original spot, it's treated as at rest. You can play it without penalty.
What's the penalty if I hit a moving ball on the fairway?
Two penalty strokes in stroke play, loss of hole in match play. The stroke counts and you play the ball as it lies.
Can I hit my ball while it's rolling back down a slope?
Only if it started moving after you began your backswing. Otherwise, no — wait for it to stop or take the penalty.
My ball is moving in a penalty area with water. What are my options?
You may either make a stroke at the moving ball with no penalty, or take penalty-area relief under Rule 17 (or temporary-water relief under Rule 16.1 if it's temporary water). You can lift the moving ball to take relief.
What if my ball falls off the tee and I swing at it?
No penalty. Rule 6.2b(5) covers this — you can hit the falling ball or re-tee it.