Club Being Stopped by Outside Influence on Downswing, Is it a Stroke? – Golf Rules

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Q.
The player’s intention to make a stroke at the ball didn’t change, but the club got stuck in the ground prior to the ball being struck, is this considered a stroke, or do they incur a penalty for causing the ball to move?
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A.
As the clubhead is deflected or stopped by an outside influence (the ground), whether or not the ball is struck, this is considered a stroke. No penalty for causing the ball to move, so the ball is to be played as it lies.
Definitions ‘stroke’
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