Canfordhacker
Q-School Graduate
Looking for advice/clarification on how I should have proceeded.
Par 3 over water yesterday, and my tee shot has Barnes Wallace'd. I was convinced it had made it to dry ground on the far side in the reeds. It was certain that the ball was still in the hazard, but not sure whether I would find it and if so whether it would be playable. I wanted to preserve my right to play another ball from this side of the lake, keep the pace of play, but recognised that I shouldn't hit a provisional. If I play three off the tee I automatically preclude myself from playing the ball if I find it. If I don't hit another I delay play if I find it and decide not to play it. It would make sense for me to play as though it is lost in the hazard, but call it provisional - though I know that's not right as I then get a choice of two balls if it is indeed in the hazard but found. If I find it, then the "provisional" is null and void and I have to walk back if I decide it's unplayable to hit another. Doesn't that make more sense?
In the event the ball was in hazard but playable though I had no way of knowing this before I got there. But what should I do next time?
Par 3 over water yesterday, and my tee shot has Barnes Wallace'd. I was convinced it had made it to dry ground on the far side in the reeds. It was certain that the ball was still in the hazard, but not sure whether I would find it and if so whether it would be playable. I wanted to preserve my right to play another ball from this side of the lake, keep the pace of play, but recognised that I shouldn't hit a provisional. If I play three off the tee I automatically preclude myself from playing the ball if I find it. If I don't hit another I delay play if I find it and decide not to play it. It would make sense for me to play as though it is lost in the hazard, but call it provisional - though I know that's not right as I then get a choice of two balls if it is indeed in the hazard but found. If I find it, then the "provisional" is null and void and I have to walk back if I decide it's unplayable to hit another. Doesn't that make more sense?
In the event the ball was in hazard but playable though I had no way of knowing this before I got there. But what should I do next time?