Finding and identifying the ball
The R&A / USGA · 2023Fair searching, identification and accidental movement.
Search fairly
Reasonable searching may move sand, water, grass or branches. Excessive actions that improve the next stroke’s conditions bring the general penalty. If sand covering the ball is disturbed, recreate the original lie; a small part may remain visible. Accidental movement while searching or identifying carries no penalty, but replace the ball on its original spot, estimating it if necessary.
Lift only when needed
Identify the ball through observation, its identifying mark or other reliable distinguishing features. If identification reasonably requires lifting or rotating it, mark the spot first and clean only enough to identify it, except on the putting green. Replace it afterwards. Unnecessary lifting, failure to mark or unauthorized cleaning under this rule incurs 1 penalty stroke. Playing from a wrong place brings the general penalty.
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