When a whiff counts, when it doesn't

If you miss the ball while attempting to hit it, the attempted stroke counts as a stroke because the rule is based on intent.

- Brett Brasier

However, if you accidentally hit the ball without intending to make a stroke (for example, by accidentally nudging it during a practice swing), it does not count as a stroke. If you whiff the ball whilst making an intentional swing of hitting the ball it will count as one shot. If you accidentally move your ball whilst addressing it, even on the putting green, you can place your ball back to its original position without a penalty.