What is the ruling in the following situation

[Ian Jones]

Today I was playing in a 3 ball. The second is a very short 110 yard par 3. I teed of and put my ball to within 3 feet of the pin and my playing partner was off the green in the bushes at the back of the gree. I left my ball on the green to look for his ball, he took a drop and proceeded to play before I could mark my ball.

His ball struck my ball which resulted in a perfect cannon (snooker talk) and my ball ended in the hole!

Can anyone tell me what the ruling is on what must be a very rare occurance. I am not nor will I claim a hole in one as far as I am concerned the ball must enter the hole under its own steam from when I struck it.

Welcome your thoughts guys and girls.

 

[Slingblade61]

Welcome to the board Ian!

I think the answer is that the ball must be replaced.

18-5. By Another Ball
If a ball in play and at rest is moved by another ball in motion after a stroke, the moved ball must be replaced.

 

[longiron]

good call sling

 

[Bravo]

I have seen this situation many many times - but none of them resulted in the struck ball being holed.

If you ever see a ball rolling toward another on the green - focus tightly on the object (still) ball and after impact try to return it to that exact spot.