Murphy’s Ruling On No. 17

During Thursday's first round, it was discussed whether Bob Murphy should be assessed a penalty on the 17th hole after his caddie cleaned his ball, which had come to rest in a bunker. Jeff Hall, Director of the Rules of Golf explains the ruling below:

On the 17th hole, Bob Murphy’s tee shot came to rest in the bunker and was moved by Hubert Green’s ball. The ball was also in the way of Hubert’s next shot. The ball was lifted before being replaced, was cleaned, but because the ball was being replaced, under Rule 18-5, the cleaning of the ball was permitted.