What Is the Rule When One Golf Ball Hits Another?

It’s bound to happen during a round of golf: you pure a shot, watch it sail toward your target, and then you hear that unmistakable, sharp clack as your ball cannons off a playing partner’s ball. What happens now? Is it a penalty? Who moves their ball? This common situation can cause confusion and even friendly disputes, but the official rules are crystal clear. This article will walk you through exactly what to do, covering a variety of scenarios you might face on the course so you can handle it like a pro.

The Golden Rule: Where It Happens Matters Most

In golf, context is everything, and that’s especially true for this rule. The procedure for a ball hitting another ball changes dramatically depending on one simple factor: whether the balls are on the putting green or not. For pretty much anywhere else on the course - the teeing area, fairway, rough, or a bunker - the rule is simple and consistent. On the putting green, however, the rules become more specific and depend on the format you’re playing.

Don't worry, we'll break it down piece by piece. Once you understand the core difference, you'll be able to navigate these situations with confidence and help your group follow the right procedure every time.

Situation 1: Your Ball Hits Another Ball on the Putting Green

This is where things can get a little tricky, and it’s arguably the most common place for one ball to hit another. You’re on the dance floor, and so is your playing partner. The consequences of a collision here depend entirely on whether you are playing stroke play or match play, and from where your shot was played.

The Rule in Stroke Play (Rule 11.1a)

Let's set the scene: You're in a weekend competition, playing your own ball for a score (stroke play). You are on the putting green, and you hit your putt. If your moving ball hits another ball that is also at rest on the putting green, you get a two-stroke penalty.

It feels harsh, especially if your putt was tracking perfectly towards the hole. But the rule is designed to encourage players to be diligent about marking their golf balls to ensure a clear path for everyone. Let’s look at what each player needs to do.

What You Do (The Player Who Hit the Other Ball):

After your ball collides with the other, you must play your ball from wherever it comes to rest. You then add two penalty strokes to your score for that hole. So, if it was your second shot that hit the other ball, you're now lying three (one stroke + two penalty strokes), and your next shot will be your fourth. If your putt was a birdie attempt that caromed off another ball and went in, it sadly doesn’t count. You must complete the hole by playing your ball from where it lies and adding the two penalty strokes.

What the Other Player Does:

The owner of the ball that was hit receives no penalty. Their ball must be picked up and replaced on its original spot. If the exact spot isn't known for certain, it must be estimated and the ball placed there. They get to continue their hole from its intended position, completely unaffected by the incident (aside from maybe a little sympathy for you!).

A Crucial Exception in Stroke Play

Here's a twist that saves many golfers from a needless penalty. The two-stroke penalty only applies if your stroke was made from the putting green. If you play a shot from off the green - like a chip shot from the fringe or a pitch from the fairway - and your ball rolls onto the green and hits another ball, there is no penalty to anyone.


Chip from Fairway -> Rolls onto Green -> Hits Another Ball
Result: NO PENALTY


In this common scenario:

• You play your ball as it lies.
• The person whose ball was hit replaces their ball on its original spot.

This is a an important distinction every golfer should know. The logic is that you have far less control over a ball bouncing and rolling from a distance than you do over a putt on a smooth surface.

The Rule in Match Play (Rule 11.1a)

If you're in a one-on-one or team match play competition, the situation is much more relaxed. When your putt strikes your opponent's ball on the green, there is no penalty. The game simply continues.

What Everyone Does:

• You (The player who made the stroke): You play your ball from wherever it has come to rest. If it knocked your opponent’s ball into the hole, tough luck for them - and a great result for you (though you shouldn't aim for it!).
• Your Opponent: They have a choice. They can either replace their ball on its original spot, or they can choose to play it from its new location. They will almost always replace it, but the option is there if, by some miracle, their ball was moved to a better position.

Pro Tip: Course Etiquette to Avoid the Problem

The easiest way to deal with this rule is to avoid it altogether. Good golf etiquette is your best friend here. Always be proactive about marking your ball once it reaches the putting green. Pay attention to see if your ball marker is in the playing line of another golfer and offer to move it temporarily. A simple, "Let me know if you need my marker moved," can prevent any rule-related incidents and keeps the pace of play moving smoothly.

Situation 2: Your Ball Hits Another Ball *Anywhere Else* Besides the Green

Outside of the putting green, life becomes much, much simpler. This rule covers the entire "general area" of the course, which includes the teeing area, fairway, all cuts of rough, and even bunkers.

Let's imagine you and your friend both hit your tee shots a few yards apart in the fairway. You're up first. You catch your approach shot thin, and it skitters across the ground, connecting with your friend's ball.

The Rule in Stroke Play AND Match Play (Rule 11.1)

Happily, the rule is the same for both formats, and it's quite forgiving: there is no penalty to anyone. This is considered a simple "rub of the green," an accident of play where fortune, good or bad, is just a part of the game.

Here’s the step-by-step procedure:

1. The player who made the stroke plays their ball as it lies. The result of the deflection is what you live with. If your shot ricocheted off your playing partner's ball and bounced into deep rough, that's where you have to play from. Conversely, if it kicked off their ball and onto the green, it's your lucky day!
2. The player whose ball was moved must replace their ball. They must find the original spot where their ball was at rest (or estimate it as accurately as possible) and place it back there before they play. Playing from the new, moved spot would be considered playing from the wrong place and would incur a penalty.

This rule ensures that no player is penalized for the random outcome of another player's shot somewhere on the broad expanse of a golf hole. It keeps the game fair and moving forward.

The Freak Accident: What If *Both* Balls Were Moving?

While exceptionally rare, it's possible for two balls - both in motion after being struck - to collide with each other. For example, you might be playing from the 5th fairway while another group is playing on the adjacent 13th, and your shots hit each other in mid-air.

Under Rule 11.2, in this strange circumstance, there is no penalty to either player. Both you and the other player will simply play your golf balls from wherever they ended up coming to rest after the collision. It's a true "play it as it lies" moment straight from the golf gods.

Simple Habits To Avoid Confusion

• On the green, always mark your ball. It’s the single best habit to prevent penalties and confusion.
• If a ball is in your way (off the green), you can ask for it to be lifted. If another ball is interfering with your stance or swing, you can always ask your partner to mark and lift it. They must oblige. If it's just in your line of sight but not physically interfering, they can choose to leave it or lift it.
• Know your format. The main confusion point is on the putting green. Remember: Stroke play = 2-stroke penalty. Match play = no penalty.
• Communicate. Golf is a social game. Talking with your playing partners about where balls are is friendly, speeds up play, and ensures everyone is following the right procedures.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a golf ball hitting another may seem complicated, but it truly boils down to one primary question: did it happen on the putting green? If the answer is no, it's a simple case of playing your ball as it lies while the other player replaces theirs. If the answer is yes, take a moment to confirm if you're in stroke play or match play to avoid a needless two-stroke penalty.

Remembering every official rule under the pressure of a round isn't always easy, and sometimes you just need a quick, reliable answer to keep the game moving. That’s why having instant rule support at your fingertips can be a game-changer. With Caddie AI, you have a 24/7 rules expert and golf coach in your pocket. I've designed the tool so that instead of having a confused debate on the fairway, you can ask a direct question and get an immediate, clear answer on the correct procedure. Getting the ruling right not only helps you play with confidence but also ensures a fair and enjoyable game for everyone in your group.