Rule 9 - Ball Played as It Lies; Ball at Rest Lifted or Moved (2023)

(Effective January 2023) Rule 9 covers a central principle of the game: "play the ball as it lies".  If the player's ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot. If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, the ball must be replaced on its original spot. Players should take care when near any ball at rest, and a player who causes their own ball or an opponent's ball to move will normally geta a penalty (except on the putting green).