Who is allowed to lift my ball under the Rules

Only you or someone you specifically authorize for that lift can pick up your ball. Your caddie can lift without asking on the putting green or when it's clear you're taking relief; otherwise it's a one-stroke penalty.

The two people who can lift your ball

Under Rule 14.1b, your ball at rest may be lifted only by you, the player, or by another person you have authorized for that specific lift. A blanket "go ahead" for the round does not count — you must give permission each time before the ball is lifted. If anyone else lifts it without that fresh authorization, you get one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4.

When your caddie can lift without asking

The Rules give your caddie two automatic green lights. First, whenever your ball is on the putting green, the caddie may lift it without any separate permission. Second, if it's reasonable to conclude from your actions or words that you're going to take relief under a Rule — say you've already called for a drop or started measuring — the caddie can lift it then too. In both cases, no extra authorization is needed and there's no penalty.

Partners and aides

In foursomes or four-ball, your partner may act for your side and lift your ball; that action is treated as if you did it yourself (Rules 22.2 and 23.5). For players with certain disabilities covered by Rules 25.2g, 25.4a and 25.5d, an aide may lift the ball on the putting green without authorization, just like a caddie.

Exceptions that change the answer

• Ball is on the putting green → Caddie may lift without authorization
• It's reasonable to conclude the player will take relief → Caddie may lift without authorization
• Player has a disability covered by Rules 25.2g, 25.4a, or 25.5d → Aide may lift on the putting green without authorization

Frequently asked questions

Can my playing partner lift my ball to identify it?

Only if you authorize them for that specific lift. A general "sure, help yourself" at the start of the round doesn't count — you must say yes each time.

What happens if my caddie lifts my ball in the fairway without asking?

You get one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4, unless it was already clear you were taking relief (for example, you'd called for a drop or started measuring).

Does my caddie need permission to mark and lift on the green?

No. On the putting green the caddie may lift your ball without any separate authorization — that's an explicit exception in Rule 14.1b.

If my ball moves while someone else is lifting it with my permission, is there a penalty?

No penalty if the movement happens during the authorized lift. You simply replace the ball on its original spot (or the estimated spot if the exact one isn't known).

Can I authorize my caddie for the whole round to lift whenever needed?

No. Rule 14.1b says authorization must be given each time before the ball is lifted, not generally for the round. The only blanket permissions are the two caddie exceptions listed above.