A ball is at rest on the green. Before the player putts the ball begins to roll. What is the rule?

Question

Ball was on a slope and began to roll before player putted.

Answer 1

If you haven't gounded your club, or if you haven't taken a stance, there is no penalty. You play the ball from the new location. If it rolls into the hole, you get a freebie.

If you have taken your stance AND grounded your club, there is a one-stroke penalty. (This is why Jack Nicklaus never ground his club before a shot.)

You must replace the ball. If you don't replace the ball, you get an additional two stroke penalty.

Rule 18-2b, and the general penalty for rule 18.

Answer 2

As long as the player has not taken his "Stance" he can play the ball from where it ends.  (I think?)

Answer 3

if you have addressed the ball- 1 shot penalty. (it counts as one stroke, you play it from its new location)

if you caused it to move- same as above.

if it moves before you address it and if you didn't cause it to move, then you play it from its new location without a penalty.

Answer 4

no penalty as long as you had no influence on the ball

Answer 5

I think it counts as a hit but i'm not sure

Answer 6

If the player has addressed the ball it is a one stroke penalty and you must replace it.

Answer 7

if you have addressed the ball(placed the putter behind the ball)its a 1 shot penalty and you must play the ball from were it lies

if you havent addressed the ball then you can replace it under no penalty

Answer 8

The rule states that if the player has not grounded his/her putter there is no penalty stroke.

Answer 9

If the putter has not touched the ball, step out of the way let the ball stop on its own.  Theres no penalty if the ball never touched you or your club.