Ball Moved by Natural Forces 
A ball that is moved by natural forces (such as wind, water, or gravity) must be played from its new spot and there is no penalty (Rule 9.3). There are two notable exceptions to this Rule. According to Exception One, if a player’s ball on the putting green moves after the player has already lifted and replaced the ball on its original spot, then the ball must be replaced on its original spot. This is true no matter what caused the ball to move (including natural forces) other than a stroke.
One of the significant changes made by the USGA and R&A in the 2023 revision to the Rules of Golf is the addition of the second Exception to this rule.
One may recall that at the 2019 Waste Management Open, Rickie Fowler had the unfortunate luck of his ball rolling back into the water after he had dropped on a bank by the green. After Fowler dropped the ball he proceeded to walk up the hill to view the green. As he turned his back, the ball that was at rest rolled down the hill and into the water. Fowler would have to play the ball as it lies and thus take penalty area relief yet again. This is one of the main events that spurred the addition of this exception.
With the new 2023 Rules, Exception Two to Rule 9.3 provides that if a player puts a ball into play by dropping, placing or replacing it, and natural forces cause the ball at rest to move and come to rest in another area of the course or out of bounds, the ball must be replaced on its original spot and there is no penalty.
