You incur a one stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a for moving your ball at rest and the ball must be replaced. Even though you are entitled to fairly take your stance, you must not cause the ball to move in doing so. Since the lie of the ball to be replaced has been altered and it is in the bunker, you must recreate the lie and place the ball in that lie, see Rule 20-3b(iii). You would lay 2, 1 actual stroke and 1 penalty stroke.

In any format, if the flagstick has been removed and set aside prior to the stroke being made, there is no penalty for moving it to avoid being struck by the ball, see Rule 24-1.

While that method of replacing a ball is not recommended it is not in breach of the Rules unless the lie is improved in the process, see Decision 16-1d/3. The player incurs a one-stroke penalty under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball at rest and since the ball was replaced in its original position there is no further penalty.

A player accidentally moves his ball while getting out of his cart. He proceeds to move the ball to its original position with his club. He then hits his ball. What should have the player done and what penalty should he incur?

Thanks,

John

If the player has lifted the ball to take relief under Rule 24-2 (Immovable Obstructions) and he subsequently decides not to take relief and replaces the ball, the player is penalized one-stroke under Rule 18-2a for moving his ball at rest when not permitted. See Decision 18-2a/12. It is recommended that a player determine where his relief may be prior to lifting it.

There is no violation, the original ball was holed and the play of the hole was completed. There is no penalty for putting another ball into play under these circumstances. See Decision 1-1/2.