March 1 - 13, 2010  

Q:   In a match between A and B, B, without A's authority, marked the position of, and lifted, A's ball on the putting green.  Is B subject to penalty?

A: Yes

B: No

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ANSWER:

   A: Yes

  " Under Rule 20-1, a player's ball may be lifted by his opponent only with the authority of the player.  Since B was not entitled to lift A's ball, B incurred a penalty stroke."

     [Under Decision 20-1/2  in The Rules of Golf 2010-2011]