If the lie of a lifted or moved ball that must be replaced is altered, the player must replace the ball in this way:

(1) Ball in Sand. When the ball was in sand, whether in a bunker or anywhere else on the course:

• In replacing the ball on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (See Rule 14.2c), the player must re-create the original lie as much as possible.
• In re-creating the lie, the player may leave a small part of the ball visible if the ball had been covered by sand.

If the player plays from the right place but fails to re-create the lie in breach of this Rule, the player gets the general penalty.

(2) Ball Anywhere Except in Sand. When the ball was anywhere except in sand, the player must replace the ball by placing it on the nearest spot with a lie most similar to the original lie that is:

• Within one club-length from its original spot (which if not known must be estimated) (See Rule 14.2c),
• Not nearer the hole, and
• In the same area of the course as that spot.

If the player knows that the original lie was altered but does not know what the lie was, the player must estimate the original lie and replace the ball under (1) or (2).

Exception - For Lies Altered While Play is Stopped and Ball Has Been Lifted (See Rule 5.7d).

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