Linda, what if a player inadvertently hits his ball with a
practice swing? Is this considered a stroke or can the ball be replaced with no
penalty?
Lou from Massachusetts
Dear Lou,
The ball must be replaced with a one-stroke penalty.
The player has accidentally moved his ball in play [Rule 18-2a]. A practice
swing is not a stroke – there is no intention to hit the ball.
There is one exception: Since the ball is not "in play" until the player has made his first stroke from the teeing ground, there is no penalty if the ball is accidentally moved by a practice swing prior to making the first stroke on any hole.
There is one exception: Since the ball is not "in play" until the player has made his first stroke from the teeing ground, there is no penalty if the ball is accidentally moved by a practice swing prior to making the first stroke on any hole.
Linda
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