What happens if a player's caddie lifts or moves the player's ball outside the putting green?

In the context of golf rules, when a player's caddie lifts or moves the ball while it is outside the putting green, a one-stroke penalty is indeed incurred. This rule is in place to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that players are responsible for their own ball. A caddie's actions are viewed as an extension of the player, so any movement or lifting of the ball results in the application of a penalty. The specific regulation is found in the Rules of Golf that govern how and when a ball can be lifted and the consequences of such actions.

When a ball is moved, it can create a scenario where the game is disrupted, and thus the penalty serves to penalize the player for the caddie's mistake. This reinforces the importance of having a knowledgeable caddie who understands the rules, as any unintentional action can lead to a penalty that affects the player's score.