Question from Arno Mouton via Facebook:
I’m on the green for one (par 3), my partner is off the green or in the bunker. He does not ask my ball to be marked and lifted, he plays his 2nd shot, bumps my ball into the hole. What’s my score and the penalty situation?
Answer:
Ball Strikes Another Ball on the Putting Green:
Matchplay:
If a player’s ball played from on or off the putting green strikes another ball on the putting green there is NO Penalty and the ball must be played as it lies. The moved ball must be replaced.
Strokeplay:
There is NO Penalty unless both balls lay on the putting green prior to the stroke being played in which case the player incurs a 2 Stroke Penalty & the ball must be played as it lies. The moved ball must be replaced.
Thus regarding the situation you mentioned, there is no penalty incurred by either player and your ball must be replaced (afraid no hole in one for you) as near as possible to the spot it was moved from and played and your partner must play his ball from where it lies.
References:
Play Your Golf by the Rules:
Ball at Rest Moved – Pg. 41
