If you accidentally move your ball on the green, there's no penalty — just replace it. If wind moves it after you marked and replaced, you must replace it again.
What happens if your ball moves on the green?
If you accidentally move your ball on the green, there's no penalty — just replace it on the original spot, under Rule 13.1d.
| Who moved the ball? | Penalty? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You, your partner, or your equipment | No penalty | Replace the ball on the original spot |
| Wind or water (before you marked it) | No penalty | Play it from the new spot |
| Wind or water (after you marked and replaced it) | No penalty | Replace it again on the original spot |
| An outside influence | No penalty | Replace the ball on the original spot |
The Morikawa/Bradley situation
This is the rule that tripped up Collin Morikawa and Keegan Bradley at the 2025 Masters. After marking and replacing, wind moved their balls. They played from the new spots — and got penalized for playing from the wrong place.
Quick answers
What happens if my ball moves on the green? If accidentally moved by you, your partner, or equipment: no penalty, replace it. If wind/water: play from the new spot unless already marked and replaced.
Is it a penalty if I accidentally move my ball on the green? No, since 2019.
What if wind moves my ball on the green? Play from new spot unless already marked and replaced — then replace it again.
Do I have to mark my ball on the green? Not required, but strongly recommended.
What if I'm not sure where the ball was? Estimate the spot and place the ball there.