Feel ball underfoot while searching

In a not-too-serious game today, my ball landed in some very lush thick grass (rough). I saw pretty well where it had landed, but when I got there, I realized that the grass was about 8" deep and very thick. I could not see the ball. In looking for the ball, I felt something underfoot. Looking straight down, I could not see a ball. I separated the grass carefully and saw a ball deep down sitting on the "thatch" at the base of the grass. I lifted the ball, identified it as mine and replaced it as close as I could.

Question - If this had been a tournament, I would have had to determine if I had moved the ball. It definitely did not rotate. It likely did move downward when I stepped on it, but considering the rough was very "springy", did it return to it's original position? There was really no way to know.

What would an official ruling be in a case like this where the facts are unclear? Does the player or the field get the benefit of the doubt?

The following may help but it is up to you to say if the ball moved back to its original position. It is unlikely that a rules official would be able to make a judgement. Remember golf is a game of integrity.

Decision 18/1 Ball Moves Vertically Downward


Q. A ball lying in long grass slips vertically downward. Or a ball is accidentally stepped on and pressed down, say a quarter of an inch, in the grass or into the ground. In each case, has the ball moved?

A. Yes, unless the ball returns to its original position. The direction of movement is immaterial.

I realise that a penalty should be self assessed if the player thinks the ball moved. My question though, does not relate to this actual incident. The rule as you quoted it is correct. But because the ball was out of sight, 8" below top of grass, there was no way to know whether it first of all moved and if so, did it return to it's original position.

I was asking what a rules official SHOULD rule in a case where there is no way of the player or his competitors knowing if the rule was infringed or not.

This happens in many cases when a ball oscillates - we often place our club behind the ball and see a slight oscillation - Did the ball return to it's original position or not - I don't think anyone can say. In friendly games we let this go, but wonder what would happen if it was brought to the attention of a rules official.

Agent99

If the RO did not see the event he can not make a decision. He needs to have evidence. If there is no evidence other that what the player says he will not make a contrary decision.

If your ball moves and when brought to a RO you deny it then you dont really have any business playing golf.
I call everything when playing, competition or not.