MY GOLF BLUEPRINT
When to play a provisional ball
Rule 18.3 · Official source checked 6 November 2026
A provisional can save time when your original ball might be out of bounds or lost outside a penalty area. You must announce that it is provisional before playing it.
On the course
- Assess whether the uncertainty meets the rule.
- Clearly tell another person that you are playing a provisional.
- Play it using stroke-and-distance procedures.
- Follow the rule on when it must be abandoned or becomes the ball in play.
Worked situation
If the original is found in bounds outside a penalty area within the search time, you normally must abandon the provisional and continue with the original.
Important distinction
A provisional is not allowed when the only possible place for the missing ball is a penalty area. Saying only “I'll hit another” may not clearly announce a provisional.
Sources and further reading
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