The provisional ball: when and how to hit a second ball?

In golf, time is a precious commodity and nothing slows the game more than a player having to walk back to the spot of the previous shot empty-handed after five minutes of searching. The provisional ball is the regulatory solution from the R&A and the NGF to prevent this scenario. It is a "backup ball" you hit before going to look, in case your first ball is lost or out of bounds (out of bounds).

Below is the procedural and strategic explanation of this important rule.

The 'Provisional Ball': efficiency and rules on the course

Playing a provisional ball is an expression of good etiquette and course management. According to Rule 18.3 of the official rules of golf, you may hit a provisional ball if you suspect your original ball is lost outside a hazard or out of bounds. This saves you the "walk of shame" back to the tee or the spot of your previous shot, which keeps play flowing for the groups behind you.

1. When may you hit a provisional ball?

You may apply the rule in two specific scenarios:

• Possibly lost: Your ball flew into deep rough, a wood or an unclear area and you are not sure you will find it within the allowed three minutes of search time.
• Possibly out of bounds: Your ball is heading towards the white stakes (out of bounds) and from where you hit it is not clear whether the ball is still inside the lines.

Important exception: You officially may not hit a provisional ball if you are virtually certain your ball is in a water hazard (penalty area). In that case, you must apply the rules for that hazard immediately.

2. The mandatory procedure (Rule 18.3b)

To mark a ball as "provisional", you must meet strict conditions. If you do not, the second ball automatically becomes your ball in play with a penalty stroke, even if you later find your first ball.

1. Announce it: You must explicitly say to your fellow players: "I am playing a provisional ball." Words like "I'll hit another" or "I'll have another go" are not valid under the rules.
2. Hit before searching: You must hit the provisional ball before walking forward to look for your first ball.
3. Identification: Preferably use a ball with a different number or brand from your first ball, so there is no doubt which is which when you find them.

3. What happens after the second shot?

As soon as you walk forward, three things can happen:

• You find your first ball in bounds: Congratulations. You must immediately pick up the provisional ball and continue playing with your first ball. There is no penalty stroke.
• You find the first ball out of bounds or do not find it at all: Your first ball is now officially "lost". Your provisional ball becomes the ball in play. You count the first stroke, the penalty stroke for the lost ball, and the stroke with the provisional ball (so you lie three at the spot of the provisional ball).
• The ball is in a hazard: If you find the ball in a marked hazard, you must give up the provisional ball and follow the rules for that specific hazard.

4. How far may you play the provisional ball?

You may hit the provisional ball multiple times until you reach the spot where the original ball is presumed to lie. As soon as you take a stroke with the provisional ball from a spot that is closer to the hole than the presumed location of your first ball, the provisional ball automatically becomes the ball in play and the first ball is officially lost.

Conclusion

The provisional ball is your insurance against time loss. Hitting a second ball straight away when in doubt is a sign of game awareness and respect for your fellow players. Removing the pressure to "have to find" that first ball, because otherwise you have to walk all the way back, also brings more mental calm during the short search.