Golf Rules: Ball Movement During Address - Penalty Explained

Question
you have address the ball and as you take your back swing the ball moves can you continue the shot without incurring a penalty?

Answer
Mark,

Here is the answer.

If a player's ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a penalty of one stroke. The ball must be replaced, unless the movement of the ball occurs after the player has begun the stroke or the backward movement of the club for the stroke and the stroke is made.

Thanks for the question,

Michael Hoffman
PGA Professional