The term moved in golf is the quintessential example of why knowing the Definitions is important for learning the Rules. When we think of “movement” we think of all kinds of wiggles, wobbles, bumps, rolls and shakes. But under the Rules of Golf, a ball has only moved if it has left its original position and come to rest somewhere else – on any other spot.

A ball that is wobbling (or oscillating), did not change position enough to be spotted by the naked eye or even leaves but returns to its original spot has not moved as far as the Rules of Golf are concerned.

In order to determine whether a ball has met this threshold you use the known or virtually certain standard. That is the same standard you use for determining whether your ball that hasn’t been found is in a penalty area. This standard leaves room for some doubt, but you are 95% sure the ball actually moved. If you aren’t at least that sure, then your ball hasn’t moved.