What If Two Golf Balls Are Touching?

Walking up to find your ball cozied up right next to another player’s, even touching it, can leave even seasoned golfers scratching their heads. This isn't a situation you prepare for on the range, but knowing the procedure is simple and can save you and your group from a confusing moment. This article breaks down exactly what to do when two golf balls are touching, covering every area of the course so you can handle it like a pro, without penalty.

First Things First: Don't Panic, There's No Penalty

Let's get the most important thing out of the way first. Simply having your ball come to rest touching another player's ball is not a penalty. It’s just one of those weird things that happens in golf. A penalty only comes into play if you fail to follow the correct procedure from this point forward. The Rules of Golf are designed to provide a fair way to continue play, and this situation is dealt with simply and clearly under Rule 11, specifically interference from another ball.

Your goal is to get back to a state where each player can play their own ball from its original spot without obstruction. The process primarily involves marking the ball that might interfere and temporarily lifting it so the other player can make a clear stroke.

Step-by-Step: The Procedure When Two Balls are Touching

When two balls are touching anywhere on the course except the putting green, the fundamental principle is that the ball farther from the hole is played first. However, since the balls are touching, determining which is farther can be impossible. In these cases, it doesn’t matter who is technically farther from the hole, you just need to decide who plays first. It's common courtesy to let the owner of the interfering ball decide if they want you to go first so they can move their ball.

Here’s the step-by-step guide for what to do when your ball is interfering with another player’s shot:

1. Mark the Spot: The owner of the interfering ball must mark its original position. You can use a ball-marker, a tee, or another small object. Be precise. Place the marker directly behind or next to the ball before you touch it.
2. Lift Your Ball: Once your ball's position is marked, you may lift it.
3. Wait for the Other Player to Play: Set your ball aside and let the other player hit their shot without your ball in the way.
4. Replace Your Ball: After they have played, you must place your ball back on its original, marked spot. Not close to the spot, but exactly on the spot.

This is the core procedure. Now, let’s look at how this applies in different areas of the course, as there are some minor but meaningful differences.

Scenario 1: Touching in the General Area (Fairway or Rough)

This is the most common scenario. Imagine you and your buddy hit two approach shots and find both your Titleists resting against each other in the fairway. The rules are straightforward here.

• One of the players needs to mark and lift their ball. Usually, the player whose ball is in the way will be the one to do this. A simple, "Hey, want me to move that?" is all it takes.
• The remaining player takes their shot as normal.
• The first player then replaces their ball on the original spot and takes their shot.

A quick tip on cleaning: If you lift your ball because it is interfering with play in the general area, you are allowed to clean it. Make the most of this opportunity to get any mud or debris off before replacing it.

Scenario 2: Touching on the Putting Green

When two balls are touching on the putting green, the situation is handled slightly differently under Rule 11.3. On the green, if your ball might help another player's shot (for example, by acting as a backstop), that player can ask you to leave it there. However, if the balls are touching, they are almost certainly interfering, not helping.

The key here is that if your shot from the putting green might hit another ball on the green, you receive a two-stroke penalty. Therefore, this situation absolutely must be resolved before anyone putts.

Because hitting another ball on the green is a penalty, it’s always better to mark and lift if there is ever any doubt. When balls are spooning like this, there is no doubt at all.

Scenario 3: Touching in a Bunker or Penalty Area

Again, the situation is handled nearly identically, but with one critical distinction. Let's say you're both in a cavernous bunker and your balls are touching against the back lip.

• Mark the position of the interfering ball.
• Lift the ball.
• Let the other person hit their bunker shot.
• Replace the lifted ball.

Here’s the all-important difference: You are NOT allowed to clean your ball if you lift it from a bunker or a penalty area. According to the rules, a ball lifted from these areas because it interferes with another shot must be replaced in the exact same condition. So, resist the urge to wipe off any sand or mud. Doing so would be a one-stroke penalty.

What If My Ball Moves When the Other Ball Is Lifted?

This is a fantastic follow-up question and addresses a fragile situation perfectly. Imagine your ball and another are touching on a downslope in the rough. The other player’s ball is basically propping yours up. What happens when they lift their ball and yours rolls into a worse position?

Don't worry, Rule 9.6 has you covered. If your ball at rest is moved by an outside influence (which includes lifting another ball that was holding it in place), you must replace it on its original estimated spot. There is no penalty.

So, if your playing partner lifts their ball and yours immediately rolls away, you and your group just have to agree on its original position and place it back there before you play your shot. If you can’t agree on the exact spot, you use your best judgment to estimate it.

What If I Accidentally Hit Both Balls When I Swing?

Let's consider another potential pitfall. You've addressed the situation, your playing partner has lifted their ball, and you are taking your swing. What happens if your backswing or follow-through accidentally strikes the marker for the other ball?

Or what if you make a mistake, fail to have the other ball lifted, and your club strikes both your ball and the other stationary ball during your stroke?

Under Rule 11.1a, if your stroke accidentally causes your ball in motion to hit another ball at rest, there is no penalty, and you simply play your ball as it lies. This protects you in the unlikely event the played ball ricochets into the other lifted and replaced ball after it has been put back. However, if your club accidentally hits someone else's ball at rest before your stroke, there is a penalty.

The goal is to provide the player with a clear shot. By following the "Mark, Lift, Replace" procedure, you'll avoid any of these messy secondary scenarios.

Final Thoughts

The answer to "What if two golf balls are touching?" is solved with a simple procedure: decide who plays first, have the other player mark, lift, and wait, and then replace their ball once the shot is played. By remembering this sequence and the small distinctions for different course areas - especially not cleaning your ball out of a bunker - you can navigate this odd rule with total confidence.

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