Golf is open to all
Ball (or ball-marker) moved - Deliberately - by opponent in match play
If your opponent (or their caddie) lifts or deliberately touches or moves your ball at rest on the putting green, they get one penalty stroke and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated). But there are several exceptions where they get no penalty on the putting green:
- They are conceding your next stroke, a hole or the match.
- They lift your ball at your request.
- They mark and lift your ball in the mistaken belief that it is their own ball.
- They accidentally cause the ball to move while taking any of the actions covered by Exceptions 2, 3, 4 or 5 in Rule 9.4b.