Provisional..... Or Not?

[slowhand]

I am fully aware that when intending to play a provisional ball, one must state the intention clearly, including the word "provisional". However, if the player does not make this clear (i.e. says something like "I'll reload") I was under the impression that this then makes this ball the ball in play, and the original ball is finished with.

However, I am also aware that you cannot declare a ball lost, so this has always seemed to be a bit contradictory. If the player does not declare the second ball a provisional, and his original ball is found within the time limit, shouldn't the original ball still be in play? Or is the assumption that the player, rather than declaring his ball lost, is immediately declare his ball unplayable?

 

[mikejohnchapman]

If the player doesn't clearly say that the second ball he is playing is a provisional ball then it is the ball in play.

Even if the original is found within 5 minutes it makes no difference.

 

[Imurg]

Your last sentence sums it up. Unless the ball is declared a provisional, you're effectively declaring ball 1 unplayable and taking stroke and distance .

 

[Colin L]

Take a look at the Definition of a lost ball which lists the various actions which deem a ball to be "lost" . It includes

[If] the player has put another ball into play under penalty of stroke and distance under Rule 26-1a, 27-1 or 28a.

When the player put another ball into play without declaring it to be a provisional, he did so under Rule 27-1.

 

[backwoodsman]

The three answers above clearly state the situation.

But have to admit that I've never fancied the argument or acrimony that would likely ensue if a player plays a provisional of, shall we say, dubious status, and then the original is found in a nice lie. Hence, if a player doesn't specifically say so, l have the habit of casually asking "Is that a provisional?". Safeguards sanity later ...

 

[rulefan]

Preferably before he hits it.

 

[duncan mackie]

Which completely removes any risk of acrimony....

 

[LincolnShep]

Preferably before he hits it.

I like to ask while they're on their backswing... 😁

 

[rulefan]

Just wait a tad longer

 

[mikejohnchapman]

Always amuses me when people go to great lengths to describe the make, model, number and markings on their provisional ball. As long as they can identify it and it isn't the same as the original - I don't want to know!

 

[chrisd]

Always amuses me when people go to great lengths to describe the make, model, number and markings on their provisional ball. As long as they can identify it and it isn't the same as the original - I don't want to know!

It's the same for me on the 1st tee, I've forgotten the description from the other 3 players before I've got to the end of the tee box.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

The three answers above clearly state the situation.

But have to admit that I've never fancied the argument or acrimony that would likely ensue if a player plays a provisional of, shall we say, dubious status, and then the original is found in a nice lie. Hence, if a player doesn't specifically say so, l have the habit of casually asking "Is that a provisional?". Safeguards sanity later ...

Doesn't matter whether or not anyone else thinks there is any great need for playing a provisional. If I want t play one I can (though I have a feeling there is a reasonableness aspects to playing provisional after provisional as that can become deemed to be practice).

What happens to original and provisional is completely dependent upon what the player subsequently does. Plays his provisional from a position past where his original lies (as yet unfound) then the provisional is the ball in play - end of. Finds his original before playing his provisional - end-of. It was the players decision alone to play the provisional. If by dubious status you mean that he has not made it clear on the tee that the ball is a provisional then I'd mention that immediately - if not before he plays it to confirm - but immediately after he has played it. Do not leave things to the point that he gets to his original before raising the concern.

 

[TreeSeeker]

Always amuses me when people go to great lengths to describe the make, model, number and markings on their provisional ball. As long as they can identify it and it isn't the same as the original - I don't want to know!

I used to always do this, but mostly to remind myself!! Solved the problem now by buying some personalised golf balls that say "provisional" on them!