What Happens if a Golf Ball Hits Another on the Fairway?

It’s a scenario every golfer has seen: your perfectly placed ball is resting in the fairway, a promising setup for your next shot. Then you hear the call of FORE! as a playing partner's ball comes hurtling towards yours, resulting in a distinct 'clack' of Surlyn on Surlyn. This article walks you through exactly what the rule is, how it differs between stroke and match play, and the proper etiquette for handling the situation so you can play on with confidence.

The Official Ruling: Stroke Play vs. Match Play

First things first, it's helpful to know that how you handle this situation depends on the format you're playing. While many casual rounds take a "just play 'em as they lie" approach, understanding the Official Rules of Golf provides clarity and ensures fairness. The core rule that covers this is Rule 11.1, which deals with a ball in motion accidentally hitting a person or an outside influence (and yes, another player's ball at rest counts as an outside influence).

Rule 11.1 in Stroke Play (The Most Common Format)

For the vast majority of rounds, including club competitions, charity scrambles, and your typical weekend game, you're playing stroke play. The rule here is logical and designed to be as fair as possible to both players involved. Let's break it down by player.

• For the Player Whose Ball Was in Motion: This is easy. There is no penalty. Wherever your ball ends up after the collision is its new spot. You simply play your next shot from there. It doesn't matter if the deflection sent your ball to a better spot (like kicking it from the rough onto the fairway) or a worse one (bouncing it into a bunker). You must play the ball as it lies. Think of it as just another rub of the green, no different from hitting a sprinkler head or a cart path.
• For the Player Whose Ball Was Stationary: If your ball was the one that was struck, you also receive no penalty. However, you do not play your ball from its new location. Your rights must be restored. You are required to replace your ball on its original spot. If you hadn't marked the spot (which is very common for a ball in the fairway), you must estimate the spot to the best of your ability and place the ball there. The key word is replace - you physically place it back, you do not drop it.

The Ruling in Match Play

When you're playing one-on-one against an opponent in match play, the ruling for this specific scenario is identical to stroke play. There is no penalty to either player.

• The player who struck the shot plays their ball from wherever it came to rest.
• The opponent whose stationary ball was hit must replace their ball on its original, estimated spot.

Where the confusion sometimes comes in is the memory of old rules or what happens in different situations (like on the putting green). But for a ball in the general area (fairway, rough, etc.), the procedure is consistent and simple. The integrity of the stationary player's lie is restored, and the moving player accepts the outcome of their stroke.

One quick and important distinction: These rules apply to the general area. If this happens on the putting green in stroke play, the player whose ball struck the stationary ball does receive a two-stroke penalty. It's an important difference to be aware of, but on the fairway, it's always no penalty for anyone.

Step-by-Step: What to Do on the Course

Knowing the rule is great, but applying it correctly and respectfully on the course is what matters. If this happens in your group, here’s how to handle it like a seasoned player.

Step 1: Stop and Assess

The moment you see or hear the collision, the first thing to do is pause. Don't rush to the balls. Take a mental snapshot of where the stationary ball was located. The player who hit the stationary ball has a primary responsibility to remember where their ball was. Using a point of reference - a distinctive patch of grass, a nearby leaf, or its distance from a sprinkler head - can be very helpful.

Step 2: Clearly Communicate the Procedure

This is where good sportsmanship shines. The player who hit the errant shot should be the one to initiate the conversation.

A simple, "Hey Dave, my ball hit yours. Your ball was about right here, right? Go ahead and put it back, no penalty," is perfect. This shows you know the rules and are being considerate.

• The player whose ball was stationary should then find the original location as accurately as possible. Once the spot is agreed upon, they simply place their ball back on the spot and wait for their turn to play.
• The player whose ball was in motion locates their ball at its new resting place and prepares to play it from there, whether it's good or bad news.

Step 3: A Note on Friendly Games & Etiquette

In many casual rounds, your group might not know the exact rule. You may hear someone say, "Just play them where they lie!" While casual golf is about enjoyment, pointing out the correct rule is often appreciated because it’s the fairest resolution. Most players, once they hear the logic, will agree that the person whose stationary ball was moved should be able to put it back.

Leading with politeness is everything. It’s not about being a rules stickler, it’s about ensuring a fair game for everyone. Taking charge of the situation quickly and courteously keeps play moving and avoids any awkward confusion.

Why Does This Rule Exist? Fairness is the Goal

The Rules of Golf are built on foundations of fairness and playing the course as you find it. This rule is a perfect example of that balance. It aims to prevent a player from being unfairly punished or rewarded by an accidental, external event.

Think about it from both sides. If your ball was sitting pretty in the fairway and got knocked into a pond by another player's shot, it would be incredibly unfair to force you to take a penalty drop. The rule acknowledges that the other player's shot interfered with your lie, so it gives you the right to restore your original position.

Conversely, for the player whose ball did the hitting, the principle of "play it as it lies" takes precedence. They made a stroke, and the ball simply reacted to an obstacle - in this case, another ball. Granting them a re-hit would be giving them a "mulligan," which isn't fair. They must accept the consequences of the shot, whether it was a lucky bounce toward the hole or an unlucky kick into trouble. The rule prevents "do-overs" for accidental outcomes, which is a core concept of the game.

Strategic Scenarios & What-Ifs

As a coach, I see this situation as a test not just of rules knowledge, but of mental fortitude. How you react to the outcome says a lot about your game.

What if the Deflection Was a Huge Help?

Picture this: your approach shot is fading right and heading straight for a deep greenside bunker. Just before it reaches the sand, it clips your buddy's ball that was sitting on the fringe and kicks left, rolling to within ten feet of the pin. You’ve just gotten a massive break. Your friend replaces their ball, and you happily mark yours next to the hole. The mental game here is simple: accept the good fortune with a humble smile. Don't let the surprise of the good luck distract you from the task at hand - sinking the putt.

What if the Deflection Was a Crushing Blow?

Now, the opposite scenario. You've struck a pure iron shot, tracking dead-center of the flag. As it lands on the front of the green, it hits a ball already there and ricochets sideways into the thick rough. The feeling is stomach-sinking. This is a true test of your composure. Everyone has bad breaks in golf, the best players are the ones who can reset emotionally and immediately focus on their next shot. Don't waste energy complaining or bemoaning your luck. Acknowledge the bad break, take a deep breath, and strategize how to get your ball from the rough back into play. Dwelling on what *could have been* only hurts the shot you face *right now*.

Does Intent Matter? Playing a "Billiard Shot"

It's very important to note that Rule 11.1 applies only to an *accidental* deflection. If you were ever to intentionally hit another player's ball to gain an advantage (for example, using it as a "backstop" to stop your shot from going long), it would be a serious breach of Rule 11.2. This involves playing with complete disregard for other players and would result in your losing the hole in match play or incurring a two-stroke penalty in stroke play. In short, never try to play a "pool shot" off another ball. The game relies on your integrity.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the ruling for when a moving golf ball hits a stationary one on the fairway is designed to be simple and just: the player who hit the shot plays their ball where it lies, and the player whose ball was at rest gets to replace their ball on its original spot, with no penalty to either person. It's a fundamental principle of restoring the game to a state of fairness after an accidental interference.

When unusual situations like these happen on the course, uncertainty can slow down play and cause frustration. That's where I find having an on-demand resource like Caddie AI in your pocket is incredibly helpful. Instead of fumbling through a lengthy rulebook or debating with your group, you can get a quick, clear answer in seconds, allowing you to know exactly how to proceed with confidence and keep your round moving smoothly.