If a player's ball moves due to wind while they are preparing their shot, they incur a penalty?

In golf, if a ball moves due to natural forces such as wind while a player is preparing for their shot, there is no penalty. The Rules of Golf state that a player is not penalized for the natural movement of their ball. Instead, they are required to simply replace the ball to its original position before making their shot.

This rule is designed to maintain the integrity of the game by acknowledging that factors like wind are beyond the player's control. Therefore, if the ball shifts due to wind, the player simply puts it back where it was without incurring any penalty. This understanding is essential for players to know how to handle situations involving environmental conditions during their rounds.