Have you ever hit a ball during a practice swing? Of course it was unintentional and besides the embarrassment, there should be no penalty for this faux pas. Over the years I was asked about this mistake and since the rules changed in 2019, the embarrassment would be compounded by extra strokes on your scorecard. As I think about this scary scenario, I often wonder if people understand rule that the rule has changed and there is still a chance to be assessed a penalty stroke depending on where the incident happened. Let me explain further.

In case you did not know, every players makes this mistake from time to time. Regardless of your skill level in attention is the root cause to accidently hitting your golf ball. Watch Zach Johnson, professional golfer, make this very mistake at the Masters:

Zach Johnson did not receive a penalty stroke because it was on the tee box. If it was on the green, there would be no penalty either. In the case of the tee box, he can replace the ball or if in a legal hitting position, hit from there (but why would you?) In the case of the green, the ball must be replaced to its original spot or penalty strokes are assessed.

Accidently hitting your ball anywhere else on the golf course, different rules apply and penalty strokes are awarded. Here is a simple breakdown of rule 9.4:

Knowing this rule can save you penalty strokes. Understanding when a mistake does not cost you anything is important. Conversely, awarding penalty strokes to your opponent protects the field and may allow you to win the match.

One final note:

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!