Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Cleaning the Ball means removing dirt or other material from a golf ball. Under Rule 14.1c, a ball lifted from the putting green may always be cleaned; a ball lifted elsewhere may generally be cleaned, subject to four specific exceptions.
How it matters in match play
The cleaning permission is the same in Match Play as in other forms of play. If Alex lifts a ball away from the putting green to check whether it is in a relief-eligible condition, Alex must not clean it unless taking relief under a Rule. Cleaning when prohibited adds one penalty stroke, and the ball must be replaced if it was lifted. In match play, that penalty applies to the hole rather than being Loss of Hole.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Cleaning the Ball |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 14.1c |
| Related concepts | Lifting the Ball, Marking the Ball, Free Relief, Penalty Stroke, Putting Green |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex lifts a ball in the General Area to check whether Temporary Water affects it, wipes it, then decides not to take relief; Alex gets one penalty stroke, replaces the ball, and continues, so a 4-stroke score becomes 5.
Rule reference: Rule 14.1c
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Can I clean my ball on the putting green?
Yes. A ball lifted from the Putting Green may always be cleaned under Rule 14.1c, provided the spot is marked before lifting when the ball must be replaced.
When must I not clean a lifted ball away from the putting green?
Do not clean it when lifting to see whether it is cut or cracked, to check its identity beyond what is needed, because it interferes with play, or to check whether relief is available, unless you then take relief under a Rule.
What is the penalty for cleaning a ball when it is not allowed?
The penalty is one stroke, and the ball must be replaced if it was lifted. In Match Play, that one-stroke penalty applies to the hole; it is not the general Loss of Hole penalty.
Can I clean a ball lifted to take relief?
Usually yes, where the lifting is under a Rule that allows relief. The specific exception for checking whether relief is available ends if you actually take relief under a Rule.
Can accidentally removing grass or mud count as cleaning?
Yes. The R&A clarification says that passing a restricted ball to a towel, putting it in a pocket, or dropping it may remove debris and therefore amount to cleaning. If the ball was already clean, those actions do not create a cleaning penalty.
Do I need to mark a ball before lifting it to clean it?
Mark the spot first when the Rules require the ball to be replaced on its original spot. Rule 14.1a permits a ball-marker or a club held immediately behind or next to the ball.