In golf, if you are looking for a ball and accidentally step on it, are you penalized?

Answer 1

I seriously doubt it

Answer 2

No one has quite gotten this answer correct.

Assuming it is your ball, you are penalized ONE stroke (expect in certain circumstances, see below) and the ball must be replaced. If the ball is not replaced, then the 2-stroke penalty in stroke play or the loss of hole in match play would come into effect, as the general penalty for violating the rule.

There is no penalty if you are searching for a ball in a hazard or abnormal ground conditions. If you are searching in the rough or in the woods, the one-stroke penalty applies.

Here is the complete text of Rule 18-2 (also check out Rule 12-1):

When a player’s ball is in play, if:
(i) the player, his partner or either of their caddies lifts or moves it, touches it purposely (except with a club in the act of addressing it) or causes it to move except as permitted by a Rule, or (ii) equipment of the player or his partner causes the ball to move,the player incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.
Under the Rules there is no penalty if a player accidentally causes his ball to move in the following circumstances:
• In searching for a ball in a hazard covered by loose impediments or sand, for a ball in an abnormal ground condition or for a ball believed to be in water in a water hazard — Rule 12-1
• In repairing a hole plug or ball mark — Rule 16-1c
• In measuring — Rule 18-6
• In lifting a ball under a Rule — Rule 20-1
• In placing or replacing a ball under a Rule — Rule 20-3a
• In removing a loose impediment on the putting green — Rule 23-1
• In removing movable obstructions — Rule 24-1.

There is no penalty if you move an opponent or fellow competitor's ball during a search, but the ball must be replaced.

For more information, check out the USGA's website and click the link for Rules.

Answer 3

If you are looking for your ball and you accidently move it, then no it is no penalty and you must play it as it lies.

Rule 18-2 from the USGA rules of golf:

Under the Rules there is no penalty if a player accidentally causes his ball to move in the following circumstances:
• In searching for a ball in a hazard covered by loose impediments or sand, for a ball in an abnormal ground condition or for a ball believed to be in water in a water hazard — Rule 12-1
• In repairing a hole plug or ball mark — Rule 16-1c
• In measuring — Rule 18-6
• In lifting a ball under a Rule — Rule 20-1
• In placing or replacing a ball under a Rule — Rule 20-3a
• In removing a loose impediment on the putting green — Rule 23-1
• In removing movable obstructions — Rule 24-1.

Answer 4

Yes. In stroke play you are penalized 2 strokes and you have to replace the ball where it was. In match play it's loss of hole.

Answer 5

We'll have to make the assumption you're talking about looking for you own ball. If so, in stroke play it's a two stroke penalty and you have to replace the ball, in match play it's loss of hole and you drop the ball in your pocket.

Answer 6

Yes it is even if it is accident ...believe me ..it has happened to me and lost the game by 1 shot.....ps will not tell you what I said when I was told that !@#$

Answer 7

If you step on it, or sort of kick it, and it moves from the spot, then yes, if you step on it and it does not move, and play it where it lies then no.

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

No, but you will probably have to take the shot even if it is smashed into the ground

Answer 10

yes