On a steep, fast green a player putts the ball above the hole.  The player marks, lifts and cleans the ball and replaces the ball.  Then, before the marker was lifted, the ball rolls off the green.  What is the ruling?

       a)   The player may replace the ball at the marked position.

       b)   The player must play the ball as it lies

Answer

This depends on whether the ball, when replaced remained at rest on the spot on which it was placed for a moment before it started to move. (The fact that the marker had not been lifted is irrelevant as it is only an indicator of where the ball should be replaced.) 

If, when released from the fingers, the ball stayed at rest for a moment before rolling;  Answer b) the ball must be played as it lies.  

If, on the other hand, the ball immediately moved as it was released;  Answer a) the player is required to replace the ball – (Rule 20-3d)

This quiz item was supplied by Cliff Nunn. Cliff is a Victorian Golf Association (VGA)  State Accredited Rules Official.