Except when a ball is in motion, a player may have another ball picked up if he believes that this ball could hinder his play. A ball picked up under this rule must be put back (see Rule 20-3). The ball may not be cleaned up unless it was on the green (see Rule 21).
In counting play, a player who is asked to pick up his ball may play first instead.
Note Ball interferes with play: Except on the green, a player may not pick up his ball simply because he considers that his ball might interfere with another player's play. If a player picks up his ball without being asked to do so, he incurs a penalty of one stroke for breach of Rule 18-2a, but no further penalty under Rule 22.
PENALTY FOR BREACH OF RULES:
Hole play - Hole loss; Counting play - Two strokes.
Status: 2018