If a player's ball in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by something not in play ( ball deflected by other objects ), this is considered an incident of play, is not penalized, and the ball must be played as it lies, except:
(a) If a player's ball in motion comes to rest after a stroke played elsewhere than on the green in or on non-playing property that is moving or alive, the ball must be dropped on the green as near as possible to the point immediately below the place where it came to rest in or on the non-playing property, but not nearer the hole, in the ground or in an obstruction.
b) If a player's ball in motion after a shot played on the green is deflected or stopped by anything moving or living, other than a worm, insect or the like, or comes to rest in or on it, the shot is nullified. The ball must be put back and played again. If the ball cannot be recovered immediately, it may be replaced by another ball.
Exception: If the ball hits the person operating or holding up the flagstick or anything carried by them - see Rule 17-3b.
Note: If referees or match officials determine that a player's ball has been deliberately deflected or stopped by something that is not part of the game, Rule 1-4 applies to the player. If the something that is not part of the game is a competitor or his caddie, Rule 1-2 applies to the competitor (player's ball deflected or stopped by another ball - see Rule 19-5).
Status: 2018
