(Effective January 2023) Rule 9 covers a central principle of the game: "play the ball as it lies".

• If the player's ball comes to rest and is then moved by natural forces such as wind or water, the player normally must play it from its new spot.
• If a ball at rest is lifted or moved by anyone or any outside influence before the stroke is made, the ball must be replaced on its original spot.
• Players should take care when near any ball at rest, and a player who causes their own ball or an opponent's ball to move will normally geta a penalty (except on the putting green).