Hitting a Provisional Ball with Original

[mikejohnchapman]

There was an incident at our club this weekend which I thought I knew the answer to but couldn't verify it.

A ball was hit from the tee into some rough. A provisional was played and (as usual) went straight down the middle.

The original was found and hacked out but the ball then hit the provisional. The players queried whether this was a penalty for hitting your own equipment. I was sure that as soon as the original was found the provisional ceased to be part of their equipment and had the status of loose impediment - hence no penalty.

Couldn't find the decision relating to this - who was right?

 

[Imurg]

As long as the original is found within 5 minutes, the provisional ball is no longer in play and is just a stray ball on the course..
I think you're right.

 

[rulefan]

Any ball that the player has played at the hole being played is not equipment.
The (no longer) provisional ball is simply a movable obstruction.
Rub of the green, no penalty

See the definitions