Provisional Ball

[chellie]

This came up yesterday and we'd not heard of it. Is it new?

I'd always been told that you couldn't go back to do a provisional.

18.3a/2
Playing Provisional Ball After Search Has Started Is Allowed
A player may play a provisional ball for a ball that might be lost when the original ball has not been found and identified even if the three-minute search time has not yet ended. For example, if a player is able to return to the spot of his or her previous stroke and play a provisional ball before the three-minute search time has ended, the player is allowed to do so.

 

[rulefan]

This came up yesterday and we'd not heard of it. Is it new?

I'd always been told that you couldn't go back to do a provisional.

18.3a/2
Playing Provisional Ball After Search Has Started Is Allowed
A player may play a provisional ball for a ball that might be lost when the original ball has not been found and identified even if the three-minute search time has not yet ended. For example, if a player is able to return to the spot of his or her previous stroke and play a provisional ball before the three-minute search time has ended, the player is allowed to do so.

This was introduced in the 2019 release of the Rules

 

[chellie]

This was introduced in the 2019 release of the Rules

Thanks. Does it apply to the Tee as well?

Also, it's only in Interpretation not in the Players Edition - that I can see.

 

[rulefan]

Thanks. Does it apply to the Tee as well?

Also, it's only in Interpretation not in the Players Edition - that I can see.

1) Yes
2) Unlike the original Rule the current Rule has no constraints and should be read literally. (and he must play it before ...............)

 

[Jigger]

A search for a ball can be paused too I believe

 

[rulefan]

A search for a ball can be paused too I believe

Yes in certain circumstances but the actual searching time cannot exceed 3 minutes.

See
18.2a(1)/1 – Time Permitted for Search When Search Temporarily Interrupted

 

[Jigger]

Yes in certain circumstances but the actual searching time cannot exceed 3 minutes.

See
18.2a(1)/1 – Time Permitted for Search When Search Temporarily Interrupted

yep And all searching must stop