The option to play a provisional ball is only available if the ball is out of bounds or lost, not if the ball is in a water hazard. In this scenario, the red stakes on the right make it clear that the player should follow Rule 26 (Water Hazards) and that playing a provisional ball is not permitted.
provisional ball and con- tinue the process until he can get a ball in play. The player may continue
to play a provisional ball until he reaches the spot where the original ball is likely to be. If he makes a
stroke with the provisional ball from a point equal to or closer to the hole than where the original ball is likely to be, the original ball is lost and the player is required to continue with the provisional ball.
If the original ball has not been found within five minutes, the provisional becomes the ball in play. However, if the ball is lost in an abnormal ground con- dition (e.g., ground under repair, a burrowing animal
If the player makes a stroke with the provisional ball from the place the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer to the hole than that place, the original ball is lost and the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
The option to play a provisional ball is not available once the player goes forward to search for the original ball. In this scenario, the player is returning to the tee to hit his third shot.
hole, etc.) or an obstruction or an outside agency (e.g., dog, spectator, etc.) moved the ball, the player may take relief under those rules. What if a player plays
Provisional ball becomes ball in play if played from this spot
Where original ball is likely to be
a provisional ball and then discovers that the original ball was actually lost in a water hazard? The player must abandon his provi- sional ball and proceed with his options regarding the water hazard. If the original ball is not lost or out of bounds, the player must abandon the provisional ball. Strokes and penalty strokes incurred while playing the provision- al ball do not count in the player’s score. The player may choose to not search for the original ball, but if a ball is found that may be the player’s ball, he is required to identify it. If the original ball is found in an unplay- able position, the player may not continue play with the provisional ball and must use his options under Rule 28: Ball Unplayable.
Okay to continue to play provisional ball
E-mail Ryan at
rgregg@ncga.org SUMMER 2012 /
NCGA.ORG / 65
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