If a player lifts the ball without permission, what happens?

When a player lifts the ball without permission, the appropriate action according to the rules of golf is that the player must replace the ball and lose their turn. This is designed to maintain the integrity of the game and ensures that players adhere to proper procedures. Lifting the ball often disrupts the flow and fairness of play, as each player is expected to play their ball as it lies unless specific conditions allow otherwise, such as for identifying the ball or when it's necessary to protect the course.

In this case, because lifting the ball without permission violates the rules, the player is penalized by having to return the ball to its original position and forfeiting their turn. This penalty serves as a deterrent to ensure players follow established protocols during a match. Other choices, like disqualification or a one-stroke penalty, are too severe for this specific infraction, while stating that there is no penalty fails to recognize the importance of adhering to the game's rules.