When addressing a golf ball and then missing it (whiff) without actually moving the ball. Whats the rule?

Question

I took a swing at a golf ball in play and missed it. I was charged a one stroke penalty because it was said I had intentions of hitting it. Is that right?

Answer 1

Counts as a stroke if you addressed the ball and made a swing.

Answer 2

Absolutely.

Answer 3

Next time, you should play it off and say something like "Now I am Ready".  Then you can say it was a practice swing.  In my group, I will let you have that one once, after that, then I would suggest you move to the side of the ball to pratice swing.

But the rule is, if you intentd to hit the ball and miss, then that is a stroke.

Answer 4

Duh.

Could you possibly come up with a reason for swinging at the ball w/o the intention of hitting it ???

Answer 5

yes according to golf rules.

however if you're just playing with buddies, s***w em if they can't take a joke.

Answer 6

Definition of stroke from the Rules of Golf:

'A "stroke" is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball'

Nothing in there about actually making contact, or actually moving the ball.

Answer 7

Yes, anytime you address the ball with the intention of hitting it you are counted for a stroke.

Answer 8

THATS a Stroke .....if you were attempting to hit the ball than it COUNTS ~!