Provisional Ball

chellie

Tour Winner
Joined
Mar 23, 2013
Messages
4,765
Visit site
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

Tour Winner
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
14,484
Visit site
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
 

rulefan

Tour Winner
Joined
Feb 21, 2013
Messages
14,484
Visit site
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 ...............)
 
Top