Ball Moves before Stance taken

[BC MIST]

18-2b/4 Ball Moves After Player Grounds Club But Before Stance Completed

Q. A player’s routine prior to playing a stroke is as follows: He first grounds the club directly behind the ball with his feet together. Then he gradually widens his feet to shoulder width. At that point, he makes the stroke.

If the ball moves after he grounds the club but before he widens his stance to shoulder width, does he incur a penalty stroke under Rule
18-2b (Ball Moving After Address)?

A. No. A player has not addressed the ball until he completes taking his stance, i.e., his feet are essentially in the position in which he normally places them when making a stroke.
However, if the ball moved after the club was placed in position but before the player had completed taking his stance, he incurs a penalty stroke under Rule 18-2a for having caused the ball to move and must replace the ball, unless there is strong evidence that wind or some other agency caused the ball to move.

The first part of the answer says that I am not penalized if the ball moves before I put my feet in place after grounding the club. The second paragraph says that I am penalized. What am I missing here?

[jvincent]

The original question was specific as to being penalized under 18-2b. The player did not receive a penalty for that reason but instead was penalized under 18-2a.

[Started2k3]

I think the second part has the clubhead grounded in position but the player is still adjusting their stance.

[BC MIST]

I think the second part has the clubhead grounded in position but the player is still adjusting their stance.

In both a and b, was the club not on the ground, with the stance NOT completed, when the ball moved? Why two different results?

[jvincent]

18-2a is a general penalty for moving the ball.

If he had thrown his club (or shoe) at his bag, missed it, and caused the ball to move he would have incurred the same penalty.

[Pinshark]

18-2a is a general penalty for moving the ball.

If he had thrown his club (or shoe) at his bag, missed it, and caused the ball to move he would have incurred the same penalty.

I think I get it now!