I quoted the wrong ruleset - I forgot the top part of my post (which does indicate that a swing with intent is a stroke), and instead dug up the rules on swinging without intent, but striking the ball anyway.


From the USGA:

Stroke
A “stroke’’ is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball, but if a player checks his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball he has not made a stroke.


Therefore, if you intend to hit the ball you take a stroke.

If you don't intend to hit the ball (and do), you take a penalty stroke, and replace the ball.

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True Length Technology Fitter - www.truelengthtechnology.com
It's live! - www.ShipShapeClubs.com
PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.