If a player's ball is inadvertently deflected or stopped by an opponent, his caddie or his equipment (ball deflected in hole play), this is not penalized. The player may, before another stroke has been made by either party, cancel the stroke and play a ball as close as possible to the place from which the original ball was last played without penalty (see Rule 20-5) or play the ball as it lies.
If the player does not wish to cancel the stroke and the ball has come to rest in or on the clothing of the opponent, his caddie or on his equipment, the ball must be placed on the green as close as possible to the point immediately below the place where it came to rest in or on the object, but not closer to the hole, in the terrain or in an obstacle.
Exception: If the ball hits the person handling or holding up the flagstick or anything carried by them - see Rule 17-3b. (Ball deliberately deflected or delayed by opponent or caddie - see Rule 1-2).
Status: 2018
