What is the rule on striking a golf ball during a practice swing?

Question

If I was in the fairway, and I took a practice swing and accidentely struck the ball, what would be the ruling if I wanted to put the ball back where it was?

What section fo the rule book is it in?

Answer 1

This is covered in USGA Rules Decisions 18-2a/20 and 18-2a/21 (20 discusses prior to tee shot, 21 addresses a ball in play)

18-2a/19 Ball Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing Prior to Tee Shot
Q. Before playing from the teeing ground, a player took a practice swing, in the course of which he accidentally struck and moved the teed ball with his club. Did the player play a stroke or incur a penalty?

A. The player did not make a stroke — see Definition of “Stroke.” Since the ball was not in play — see Definition of “Ball in Play” — he incurred no penalty under Rule 18-2a. The player must put a ball into play from the teeing ground.

18-2a/20 Ball in Play Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing
Q. A player makes a practice swing and accidentally moves his ball in play with his club. Has he made a stroke?

A. No. He had no intention of moving the ball — see Definition of “Stroke.”
However, he incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball in play, and the ball must be replaced.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

18-2a/19 Ball Moved Accidentally by Practice Swing Prior to Tee Shot


Q. Before playing from the teeing ground, a player took a practice swing, in the course of which he accidentally struck and moved the teed ball with his club. Did the player play a stroke or incur a penalty?

A. The player did not make a stroke — see Definition of “Stroke.” Since the ball was not in play — see Definition of “Ball in Play” — he incurred no penalty under Rule 18-2a. The player must put a ball into play from the teeing ground.

Answer 4

The easiest way to learn golf like a pro is by following "The Simple Golf Swing" program. It's primarily a 31 page eBook that teaches golfers how to make solid contact with the ball, how to avoid hitting fat, how to avoid slicing, how get more power, accuracy, and consistency in your swing. Consistency being the number 1 golf skill.

You not only get the eBook though, you also receive a ton of extra material including video, lessons on putting, driving, chipping, sand play etc. Here is their official site: http://www.golfswingguru.net

Answer 5

Practice Swing Accidentally Moves Ball in Play

Q. While making a practice swing, Brenda accidentally moved her ball in play with her club. What is the ruling?

A. Brenda incurs a one stroke penalty, and must replace the ball to its original position. If she fails to replace the ball, she will incur a total penalty of loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. Please refer to the Penalty Statement under Rule 18. (Rule 18-2a and Decision 18-2a/20)

Answer 6

hawk_barry, thanks for that answer... I needed some comic relief!

Back to the answer: If you hit the ball it counts as a stroke and you can't take it back to play it where it was. I don't think there's an official ruling about this circumstance specifically, but it's golf: you hit your ball, that makes a stroke.

Answer 7

I dont know what section of the book its in but if you hit the ball, you have hit the ball.

Its unlucky that it happened as it happened to me once as well but if you hit the ball and it moves, that is a shot

Answer 8

x-15a2 is the only one who got both cases correct. Give him the points!

On the tee, your ball is not yet in play, so no penalty. You can re-tee it for free.

Anywhere else, your ball is in play, so one stroke penalty and you have to replace the ball. If you don't replace it, it's two more strokes.

Answer 9

just a reset on the ball and if you practice swing move your iron to the right of the ball

Answer 10

on the fairway its penelty (1 stroke) unles ofcorse wome evere your playing with will alow the muligan ,in the other case 2 iches closer to the hole is two inches your making progres how ever little