If a player’s ball moves due to natural forces, like wind, what must the player do?

When a player's ball moves due to natural forces, such as wind or other environmental conditions, the rules of golf dictate that the ball is considered to have moved without the player's intervention. In this scenario, the player is required to play the ball from its new location. This is consistent with the principle that players are not penalized for situations that are beyond their control, allowing for a fair and consistent playing field.

Choosing to play the ball from its new location recognizes that the original position is no longer relevant since the movement was not the result of the player's actions. Such rules are designed to ensure that players can continue their game without penalties for natural occurrences that might affect their play.

It's important to note that placing the ball back to its original spot or calling a penalty would conflict with the established rules that govern play in golf, which emphasizes fairness and the natural nature of the game. Similarly, leaving the ball where it lies would go against the requirement to adapt to the new position created by natural forces, making the need for an active response clear.