Mid-Handicap golfer who loves to share his rounds and experiences playing courses all around the UK in a hope that it will help others find those hidden gem golf courses.
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Welcome to the world of golf where even the smallest details matter. One such detail is the provisional ball, which can make or break a game for any golfer.
So, what exactly is provisional ball in golf?
A provisional ball in golf is an additional ball played by a golfer in case the original ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, to save time and maintain the flow of play.
What Is a Provisional Ball In Golf
A provisional ball in golf is an additional ball that a player hits if they believe their first ball could be lost, but not in a water hazard, or out of bounds.
To elaborate, when playing golf, there can be instances where a player’s shot might land in a place where it could be difficult to find, such as in thick undergrowth or outside the course boundaries.
To avoid wasting time and causing delay, the player may choose to play a ‘provisional ball’. This is essentially a backup ball that is played from the same spot as the previous stroke.
If the original ball is found within the permitted search time (usually three minutes), the player can choose to continue with the original ball, and the provisional ball is abandoned.
However, if the original ball is not found or is out of bounds, the player will continue with the provisional ball, under the penalty of stroke and distance.
This rule, known as Rule 18.3, is a crucial part of maintaining the pace of play in golf.
When Should You Hit a Provisional Ball?
You should hit a provisional ball in golf when you suspect that your original ball might be lost (except in a water hazard) or out of bounds following your shot.
In a game of golf, there are instances where your shot may not land as planned. It could end up in thick undergrowth, deep rough or even potentially outside the bounds of the course.
In such situations, to save time and maintain the pace of play, it’s recommended to hit a provisional ball.
This means, rather than spending time searching for your original ball, you declare and hit a provisional ball from the same spot as your last stroke.
This provisional ball serves as a backup, allowing you to continue play without holding up the game.
How To Play a Provisional Ball?
Playing a provisional ball in golf involves hitting an additional ball when there’s a chance that your original ball might be lost or out of bounds, except in a water hazard, to save time and maintain smooth play.
Declaring a Provisional Ball
When you suspect that your original ball might be lost (not in a water hazard) or out of bounds, you can decide to play a provisional ball.
It’s crucial to verbally declare your intention to play a provisional ball to your fellow players.
If you don’t make this declaration, the second ball you play will be treated as the ball in play, not a provisional ball.
Playing the Provisional Ball
You should play the provisional ball from the same spot where you played your original shot.
You can continue playing the provisional ball until you reach the point where you believe your original ball might be.
However, once you make a stroke at the provisional ball from a spot nearer the hole than where your original ball is likely to be, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play.
Finding the Original Ball
If you find your original ball within the allowed search time (usually three minutes), and it’s not out of bounds or in a water hazard, you have the choice to either continue play with the original ball or the provisional ball.
If you choose to continue with the original ball, the strokes made with the provisional ball are disregarded.
When the Original Ball is Lost or Out of Bounds
If your original ball is lost or out of bounds, you must continue play with the provisional ball, under the penalty of stroke and distance, meaning you add one penalty stroke to your score, and the distance you gained with the lost ball is negated.
FAQs
Q: What are the rules regarding a provisional ball?
A: According to Rule 18.3 of the Rules of Golf, you must use the word “provisional” to clearly indicate that you are playing a provisional ball.
Q: What happens if I find my original ball after playing a provisional ball?
A: If you find your original ball within the time allowed for searching, you must abandon the provisional ball and continue play with the original ball.
Q: Can I choose to play my provisional ball instead of my original ball?
A: Yes, if you are playing a provisional ball and it is known or virtually certain that your original ball is lost outside of a penalty area or out of bounds, you may choose to play the provisional ball as your ball in play, under penalty of stroke and distance.
Q: Can I hit another ball if I am playing a provisional ball and it is known or virtually certain that my original ball is in a penalty area?
A: No, you are only allowed to play a provisional ball if your original ball might be lost outside of a penalty area or out of bounds. If your original ball is in a penalty area, you must proceed under the Rules of Golf for a ball in a penalty area.
Q: What should I do if my provisional ball comes to rest in a penalty area?
A: If your provisional ball comes to rest in a penalty area, you have the option to play the provisional ball as it lies or you may proceed under the Rules of Golf for a ball in a penalty area.
Q: Can I hit a provisional ball if I am unsure whether my original ball is lost or out of bounds?
A: Yes, if you are unsure whether your original ball is lost outside of a penalty area or out of bounds, you are allowed to play a provisional ball to save time in case your original ball is indeed lost.
Q: What happens if I hit a provisional ball and then find my original ball in a playable position?
A: If you hit a provisional ball and then find your original ball in a playable position, you have the option to continue play with your original ball and abandon the provisional ball. However, if your original ball is still not found and the provisional ball is in play, you must continue with the provisional ball.
Q: Do I have to hit a provisional ball if I hit my tee shot and I’m not sure if the ball is lost?
A: No, it is not mandatory to hit a provisional ball if you hit your tee shot and you’re not sure if the ball is lost outside of a penalty area or out of bounds. However, hitting a provisional ball can save time in case your original ball is lost.
Conclusion
A provisional ball in golf is a second ball played by a golfer who believes the original ball might be lost or out of bounds, but not in a water hazard.
This rule allows play to continue without delay, as per Rule 18.3 of the Rules of Golf.
If the original ball is found within the allowed search time, the provisional ball is abandoned; if not, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance.
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