Golf Rule: Penalty for Hitting Cart & Ball - USGA Rules

Question
What is penalty for player inadvertently hitting ball without addressing ball -  and ball strikes a cart player is driving.  Is it only one shot if player replaces ball or can he be assessed a second penalty for hitting the cart

Answer
Hi Gordi,

The player receives a penalty of 1 stroke and must replace the ball according to Rule 18:
http://www.usga.org/rules/rules-and-decisions.html#!rule-18

Since the player did not intend on hitting the ball, and thus possible gaining advantage by hitting the cart, there is no extra penalty.

Best regards,
Ken Tannar