Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Natural Forces are forces such as wind or water that cause a ball at rest to move. Under Rule 9.3, there is normally no penalty, and the player plays the ball from its new spot, subject to the putting-green exception after replacement.
How it matters in match play
In match play, Rule 9.3 applies when natural forces move a player's ball at rest: there is no penalty and the ball is played from its new spot. If the opponent or the opponent's caddie is known or virtually certain to have caused the movement, Rule 9.5 applies instead. If the cause is not known or virtually certain, the Rules treat the movement as caused by natural forces.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Natural Forces |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Rule 9.2b and Rule 9.3; putting-green exception under Rule 13.1d(2) |
| Related concepts | Ball at Rest, Ball in Motion, Known or Virtually Certain, Putting Green, Moved Ball |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex's ball at rest is 2 metres from the hole; a gust moves it 1 metre farther away, so Alex adds no penalty and plays from the new spot, while the hole score remains illustrative rather than a reported result.
Rule reference: Rule 9.2b and Rule 9.3; putting-green exception under Rule 13.1d(2)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What counts as a natural force in golf?
The Rules give wind and water as examples. The key point is that a natural force, rather than the player, opponent or an outside influence, caused the ball at rest to move.
Do I get a penalty when wind moves my ball?
Normally, no. Under Rule 9.3, play the ball from its new spot without penalty. On the putting green, a ball that moves after it has been lifted and replaced must be replaced on its original spot.
What if I am not sure what moved the ball?
A ball is treated as moved only when that is known or virtually certain. If it is known or virtually certain that nobody covered by the relevant Rules caused the movement, the ball is treated as moved by natural forces; otherwise the applicable cause rule is used.
Does Natural Forces change the result of a match-play hole?
It does not add a penalty by itself. The player continues from the ball's correct spot, and the strokes then made determine the hole result under the normal match-play scoring rules.
Are these examples real match results?
No. Alex, Ben, Chris and Dana examples in this glossary are editorial illustrations for human review, not historical match records or reported player data.
Can an opponent's action be treated as a natural force?
Not when it is known or virtually certain that the opponent or the opponent's caddie caused the movement. In match play that situation is handled under Rule 9.5, not Rule 9.3.