Provisional ball, unplayable lie - could it ever work?

[Ian_S]

So the rules as currently written mean that you can hit a provisional if you think your ball might be lost, in order to help speed the game up, but as soon as you identify your ball your provisional ball cannot be used.

If, then, on inspection you find your ball is unplayable and you have nowhere to drop (eg your ball is up against an OOB fence) you then have to go back to play another from the original spot.

My question is if we want to help speed the game up, is there any way to change the rules to allow use of a provisional for a possible unplayable and how would you stop any abuse of the rule?

 

[duncan mackie]

A. So the rules as currently written mean that you can hit a provisional if you think your ball might be lost, in order to help speed the game up, but as soon as you identify your ball your provisional ball cannot be used.

B. If, then, on inspection you find your ball is unplayable and you have nowhere to drop (eg your ball is up against an OOB fence) you then have to go back to play another from the original spot.

C. My question is if we want to help speed the game up, is there any way to change the rules to allow use of a provisional for a possible unplayable and how would you stop any abuse of the rule?

A. yes

B. your example of up against an OOB fence isn't the best as most would be thinking 2cl then (even) a chip out will be as good an option, and probably better - but going back to play another is an option available to your here - and at any other time.

C. as already discussed in detail in the recent thread there is already a slight abuse of 27-2 (provisional ball) available, as there is if the LR for playing a provisional for water hazards is in place -

"If a water hazard (including a lateral water hazard) is of such size and shape and/or located in such a position that:
(i) it would be impracticable to determine whether the ball is in the hazard or to do so would unduly delay play, and
(ii) if the original ball is not found, it is known or virtually certain that it is in the water hazard,
the Committee may introduce a Local Rule permitting the play of a ball provisionally under Rule 26-1......."

In the latter instance the player who finds his ball in the water hazard after having played provisionally under 26-1, still has the option of playing the ball as it lies - so can consider his chances of success at that against where his provisional has gone...

IMO the rules are appropriately balanced as they are -
1. you wouldn't save time with any change, only increase the number of balls hit off every tee, or from the fairway, which then have to be found even if not played.
2. you could not prevent 'abuse'