When must a lifted ball be replaced without penalty?

A lifted ball must be replaced without penalty when it is moved by another player. The rules of golf state that if a player's ball is moved by the actions of another player, it must be replaced to its original position without incurring any penalties. This rule acknowledges that players do not have control over the actions of others and provides a fair resolution for when such incidents occur.

In contrast, situations like lifting a ball to check its condition or marking it before making a stroke involve the player's own actions and intentions. When a player marks the ball, it is standard practice to replace it afterward, but that is contingent upon the player’s actions and the appropriate procedures being followed. These do not adhere to the same context as being moved by another player, thereby differentiating the circumstances under which a ball is to be replaced without penalty.