Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Outside Influence is a person or thing, other than the player, the player’s caddie, partner or opponent and their caddies, that can affect a ball, equipment or course. It includes animals, natural or artificial objects, another ball in motion, and artificially propelled air or water, but not natural forces.
How it matters in match play
In match play, an Outside Influence is distinct from the opponent and the opponent’s caddie. If it is known or virtually certain that one moved the player’s ball at rest, there is no penalty and the ball must be replaced on its original spot under Rule 9.6. An accidental deflection of a ball in motion by an Outside Influence normally carries no penalty under Rule 11.1.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Outside Influence |
| Category | rules |
| Applicable rule | Definitions; Rules 9.6 and 11.1 |
| Related concepts | Ball at Rest, Ball in Motion, Moved Ball, Natural Forces, Ruling |
Worked example
On the 7th hole, Alex’s ball at rest is moved by a spectator and finishes 2 metres away; because the spectator is an Outside Influence, Alex replaces it on the original spot with no penalty, rather than playing from the moved spot.
Rule reference: Definitions; Rules 9.6 and 11.1
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is an opponent an Outside Influence in match play?
No. The opponent and the opponent’s caddie are treated separately under the Rules. Other people, such as spectators, can be Outside Influences if they meet the definition.
What happens if an Outside Influence moves my ball at rest?
If it is known or virtually certain that an Outside Influence moved it, there is no penalty and you must replace the ball on its original spot under Rule 9.6. If the cause is not known or virtually certain, the Rules treat the ball as moved by natural forces.
What if my moving ball hits an Outside Influence?
Rule 11.1 normally gives no penalty when a ball in motion accidentally hits an Outside Influence. The ball is normally played from where it comes to rest, subject to the specific relief procedure when it comes to rest on a person, animal or moving Outside Influence.
Is wind an Outside Influence?
No. Natural forces, such as wind and water, are excluded from the definition. They are dealt with separately under Rule 9.3 when they move a ball at rest.
Does the term apply only to people?
No. It also covers animals, many natural or artificial objects, another ball in motion, and artificially propelled air or water such as a fan or irrigation system. The definition excludes natural forces and the player-side or opponent-side people listed in it.
What should I do if the cause of movement is disputed?
Do not guess. The relevant cause must be known or virtually certain for Rule 9.6 to apply. In a formal match, request a ruling within the time limits in Rule 20.1b if the issue could affect the hole or match result.