If the conditions affecting the stroke are worsened after a player's ball came to rest:

(1) When Restoration of Worsened Conditions Is Allowed. If the conditions affecting the stroke are worsened by any person other than the player or by an animal, without penalty under Rule 8.1a the player may:

• Restore the original conditions as nearly as possible.
• Mark the spot of the ball and lift, clean and replace the ball on its original spot (See Rules 14.1 and 14.2), if it is reasonable to do so to restore the original conditions or if material ended up on the ball when the conditions were worsened.
• If the worsened conditions cannot be easily restored, lift and replace the ball by placing it on the nearest spot (not nearer the hole) that (1) has the most similar conditions affecting the stroke, (2) is within one club-length of its original spot, and (3) is in the same area of the course as that spot.

Exception - Lie of Ball Worsened When or After a Ball Is Lifted or Moved and Before It Is Replaced: This is covered by Rule 14.2d, unless the lie was worsened when play was stopped and the ball was lifted in which case this Rule applies.

(2) When Restoration of Worsened Conditions Is Not Allowed. A player must not improve the conditions affecting the stroke (except as allowed in Rules 8.1c(1), 8.1c(2) and Rule 13.1c) that have been worsened by:

• The player, including the player's caddie,
• Another person (other than a referee) taking an action authorized by the player, or
• Natural forces such as wind or water.

If the player improves the worsened conditions when not allowed to do so, the player gets the general penalty under Rule 8.1a

Penalty for Playing Ball from a Wrong Place in Breach of Rule 8.1d: General Penalty under 14.7a.

See Rules 22.2 (in Foursomes, either partner may act for the side and action of the partner is treated as action by the player); 23.5 (in Four-Ball, either partner may act for the side and action by the partner concerning the player's ball or equipment is treated as action of the player).

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