When can I use a provisional ball?
The use of a provisional ball - hitting a new ball from the original position when it is determined that the original ball is lost - is a common occurrence in tournaments.
The use of a provisional ball allows players to save time if their original ball is lost. However, to exercise this right, players must have a thorough understanding of Rule 18.3, which governs the use of provisional balls.
When can I use a provisional ball?
A player is only permitted to use a provisional ball if they believe their original ball is out of bounds or lost in a lost ball area, and they intend to invoke the stroke and distance penalty – meaning they will incur a one-stroke penalty and play from the previous spot.
However, if a player believes their original ball may be lost in a red or yellow hazard (bunker), they are not permitted to play a provisional ball. If they choose to play another ball from the previous spot, this second ball becomes the ball in play and they incur a one-stroke penalty.
Notify before playing a provisional ball
Once a player has decided to play a provisional ball, they must inform their playing partners of this decision before taking their stroke. The notification must include the word 'provisional' or other clear language indicating their intention to play a provisional ball under Rule 18.3.
If you fail to clearly announce your intention to play a provisional ball, or if your words do not clearly indicate your intent to use this rule, the ball you play will not be considered a provisional ball. Instead, the ball you play after the original ball will be considered the ball in play, and you will incur a one-stroke penalty.
When does a provisional ball become the ball in play?
A provisional ball becomes the ball in play and a one-stroke penalty under stroke and distance in only two instances:
Firstly, the original ball must be determined to be out of bounds or lost in any area other than a water hazard. Once this process is complete, the original ball is no longer in play, even if it is found on the course after three minutes. If a player intentionally plays the original ball, they will incur the general penalty (two strokes in stroke play or loss of hole in match play) for playing the wrong ball (Rule 6.3c).
The other situation is if the provisional ball is played from a position closer to the hole than the estimated position of the original ball, it becomes the ball in play. Similarly, the original ball is no longer in play.
When can a provisional ball be played?
The provisional ball will maintain its status as long as its position is not nearer the hole than the estimated position of the original ball. Of course, all strokes taken on the provisional ball count towards the player’s score.
As shown in the diagram, the player decided to play a provisional ball after determining that their original ball was lost in the rough. However, their shot landed at point A, which was no closer to the hole than the estimated position of the original ball. From point A, the player hit another provisional ball to point B, which was closer to the hole. If the player continues to play from point B after three minutes without finding the original ball, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play and the player incurs a one-stroke penalty. In total, the player would have taken five strokes to reach the green in this scenario.
When should a provisional ball be abandoned?
If the provisional ball is still not in play, the player is required to abandon it in the following two situations:
Firstly, when the original ball is found on the course within the three-minute search time and it is not in a hazard. Therefore, if the original ball is found within three minutes, the player is required to continue playing from that spot.
In the event that the original ball is known or almost certainly has come to rest in a hazard, the player is required to either play the ball from its present position or take relief under Rule 17.1d.
In both of these cases, if the player continues to play the provisional ball, they will incur a penalty stroke for playing the wrong ball, but all previous strokes taken on the provisional ball do not count.
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