Rules Guy: My divot stopped a ball moving. Is that a fine?

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My playing partner punched his chip shot from the deep rough around the edge of the green. The ball rolled slowly towards the pin. In a fit of rage he struck his club against the collar, dislodging a large piece of grass, which flew onto the green and struck the rolling ball, stopping it in its path. Otherwise it probably would have only rolled another foot. Still a fine? —Cornelius Marx, New York, New York

It certainly feels like it should, more because of the damage to the course than the final deflected hit.

Nevertheless, unless the Committee considers causing this damage to be serious misconduct under Rule 1.2a (which would constitute disqualification), the accidental deflection remains in effect without penalty and Mr. Angry Stubby the ball as it lies, according to Rule 11.1.

On a side note, Cornelius, Rules Guy, was much appreciated “in a fit of rage”, and if we ever take a much-needed vacation, we will contact you to ghostwrite this column in our absence.

For more guidance from our guru, read on…

During a practice round, the ball moved while I was at the top of my backswing. I continued my swing and executed the intended shot, but would that be a penalty in a tournament round, and if so, what? —Preston Scott, Tallahassee, Florida.

First, the good news: If the ball is moving after the backswing begins and the stroke is completed, there is no penalty for playing a moving ball and you play the ball from the spot where the stroke comes to rest. Thanks to Rule 9.1b for that.

The possible bad news/warning: If it was your actions that caused the ball to move, you may still be on the hook for a one-stroke penalty under Rule 9.4b.

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