Rules of Golf dictate procedures for balls moved by natural forces

Under the Rules of Golf, natural forces such as wind or gravity that cause a ball to move generally require the player to play from the new position. This applies to balls moved on a slope or into penalty areas, provided the movement is not caused by an outside influence. A specific exception exists under Rule 9.3 for balls that have been dropped, placed, or replaced according to the rules. If a ball legally put into play rolls back into a penalty area due to wind, the player must replace it on the original spot rather than playing from the new location. Additionally, balls marked and lifted on the putting green maintain their status on that spot, requiring replacement if they move. These standards provide clarity for situations where environmental conditions alter the placement of a ball on the course.

• 1:19 PMYahoo Sports — Rules of Golf Review: Before chippping my ball, a wind gust blew it into the water. Do I have to take a penalty?