Sports Talk

Lahiri's penalty at the Hong Kong Open: how does an accident cost a stroke?

Reading the GONOM post on the Hong Kong Open, the bit that stuck with me was Anirban Lahiri. He was co-leading after three rounds, then got a one-stroke penalty for accidentally moving his ball before a chip on the 18th, started Sunday with a double bogey and ended up tied 17th.

I'm not a golfer, so my question is about the rule itself. If it was clearly accidental, why is there still a penalty? In football an accidental handball is often not punished now.

From what I understand, the rule is different on the green, where accidentally moving the ball is not penalised, but anywhere else it costs a stroke and you put it back. Is that right? And does anyone know why golf keeps that difference?

Feels harsh when Golf Monthly framed it as the moment he lost his chance at a Masters place.