What penalty does a player face if they deliberately deflect or stop any ball in motion?

When a player deliberately deflects or stops a ball in motion, they incur a general penalty. In the context of the Rules of Golf, a general penalty typically involves a loss of two strokes in stroke play or disqualification in match play. The action of deliberately interfering with a ball in motion is considered a serious breach of the rules because it impacts the fair conduct of the game.

The rationale behind this penalty is to maintain the integrity of play. Allowing players to stop or deflect balls at will could lead to strategic manipulation of game outcomes, which is fundamentally contrary to the principles of fair competition. Hence, the general penalty serves as a deterrent against such actions and upholds the standards of play expected in the sport.

This understanding reinforces the importance of adherence to the rules, as they are designed to ensure fair play and respect among competitors.