Rules 10-1c, 16-1f and Rule 19-5b
by Lon Haskew
Note 1: For a breach of Rule 16-1f to occur, three conditions must exist:
1) The first stroke must be played from the putting green.
2) The ball played from the putting green must be in motion when another stroke is played.
3) The player penalized must play out of turn.
Note 2: The balls do not have to collide for there to be a breach of Rule 16-1f. There is no penalty under Rule 19-5b if
the balls do collide.
Note 3: When answering the questions remember to consider only the balls being discussed. The illustration shows
four balls but only two balls might be considered in one question. The examples assume that the players are not aware
of the other player having played a stroke. (This is important in the player’s rights under Rule 10-1c.) *For the purposes
of this diagram, Ball “B” is farther from the hole than Ball “C”
D
B
C
A
I. BALLS DO NOT COLLIDE, i.e., RULE 19-5b DOES NOT APPLY
1) A putts; while A’s ball is in motion, B putts.
Stroke Play: NO PENALTY; it was B’s turn to play.
Match Play: NO PENALTY; it was B’s turn to play, but B may recall A’s stroke. Rule 10-1c.
2) B putts; while B’s ball is in motion, A putts.
Stroke Play: A incurs a two- stroke penalty; Rule 16-1f and the balls are played as they lie.
Match Play: A loses the hole. Rule 16-1f.
3) D chips; while D’s ball is in motion on the putting green, C chips.
Stroke and Match Play: No penalty under 16-1f because no stroke was played from the putting green. Both
balls are played as they lie.
4) B putts; while B’s ball is in motion, C chips.
Stroke Play: C incurs a two- stroke penalty. Rule 16-1f. Both balls are played as they lie.
Match Play: C loses the hole. Rule 16-1f
5) A putts; while A’s ball is in motion D chips
Stroke Play: NO PENALTY – D’s turn to play. Both balls are played as they lie.
Match Play: NO PENALTY but D may recall A’s stroke
II. BALLS COLLIDE; Rule 19-5b APPLIES
1) A putts; while A’s ball is in motion, B putts and the balls collide.
Stroke Play:
NO PENALTY under 16-1f. It was B’s turn to play.
Rule 19-5b- NO PENALTY; Cancel both strokes and replay.
Match Play:
NO PENALTY under Rule 16-1f.
Rule 19-5b – NO PENALTY; Cancel both strokes and replay in correct order
2) B putts; while B’s ball is in motion, A putts and the balls collide.
Stroke Play:
A incurs a two- stroke penalty under 16-1f
Rule 19-5b NO PENALTY for balls colliding; cancel both strokes and replay
Match Play:
A loses the hole; Rule 16-1f.
3) D chips; While D’s ball in motion, C chips and the balls collide.
Stroke Play:
NO PENALTY under 16-1f.
Rule 19-5b- NO PENALTY; both balls played as they lie.
Match Play:
NO PENALTY under 16-1f
Rule 19-5b- NO PENALTY; both balls played as they lie.
4) B putts; while B’s ball is in motion, C chips and the balls collide.
Stroke Play:
C incurs a two- stroke penalty under Rule 16-1f.
Rule 19-5b; NO PENALTY for balls colliding, B cancels and replays stroke, C plays the ball as it
lies.
Match Play:
C loses the hole; Rule 16-1f.
5) A putts; while A’s ball is in motion, D chips and the balls collide.
Stroke Play:
NO PENALTY – It is D’s turn to play.
Rule 19-5b; NO PENALTY for balls colliding, A cancels and replays stroke, D plays ball as it lies.
Match Play:
NO PENALTY – D plays the ball as it lies, A must cancel and replay the stroke.
D
B
C
A