Ball Moved by FC

[BC MIST]

In another Citizen incident, not in my group, a player marked and then picked up a ball that was in some casual water. After picking it up he realized that the ball belonged to his fellow competitor, so he replaced it.

Should the player not be penalized a stroke, because 18-3 says, "b. If, other than during search for a player’s ball, an opponent, his caddie or his equipment moves the ball, touches it purposely or causes it to move, except as otherwise provided in the Rules, the opponent incurs a penalty of one stroke. If the ball is moved, it must be replaced.

There were some other "unusual" drops that could have occurred had I not said something, all of which left me bewildered. It would seem to me that guys who know how to play would also have a better understanding of the basic rules and how to proceed. Not always the case.

[Gary Hill]

the ball belonged to his fellow competitor

You cannot quote a match play rule for a stroke play event.

18-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

[BC MIST]

You cannot quote a match play rule for a stroke play event.

18-3. By Opponent, Caddie or Equipment in Match Play

Yup!

The applicable rule is 18-4. No penalty is incurred.

Mea Culpa