11/24/2025 - Oaks North

Playing partner ran over my ball with a cart on #18 fairway.  I'm pretty sure I get free relief, but I want to know what the specific rules are.

This is covered by Rule #9.6 - Ball Lifted or Moved by Outside Influence. In Stroke play, another player is an outside influence.  If it was match play, and my opponent moved the ball (intentionally), then they get a one-stroke penalty (Rule #9.5).  If I moved it, or my caddie moved it (intentionally), then I get a one-stroke penalty (Rule #9.4).  And then the ball must be replaced.  If it's an accident, then the ball must be replaced, but there is no penalty.

Rule #14.2 covers replacing the ball.  You have to place it on the original spot, or, if you don't the exact spot, then it must be estimated.  My situation specifically relied on Rule #14.2-d(2).  The original spot was known, but I could not replace it there because the lie would be altered.  So I get a club length, and I have to stay in the general area.

Rule #14.2 also covers the scenario when you need to lift your ball in a bunker to identify it. You need to recreate the lie that you previously had, or you would receive the general penalty (two strokes).

 

11/3/2025 - Sycuan / Singing Hills / Willow Glen

I had a serious mud ball after missing the fairway on the third hole.  I know I'm allowed to lift it to identify it, and I think I'm allowed to clean it to identify it, but do I need to "re-mud" it after that?

This is covered by Rule #7.3.  You are allowed to lift the ball to identify it.  And you are allowed to clean it but the ball "must not be cleaned more than needed to identify it." 

Lifting the ball to identify it is one of the few scenarios where you are not allowed to clean it.  The others are when you are moving it because it interferes with someone else's shot, lifting it to see if it is cut or cracked, and lifting it to see if you are in a position where you could get relief.  This last one is usually when you're checking to see if your ball is embedded.  If it's embedded, then you get relief, and you can clean it.  If it's not embedded, then you have to replace it, and you can't clean it.