Linda, am I right in thinking that you have the option of declaring a ball unplayable/lost and taking a penalty drop or stroke-and-distance penalty?
In fact, don't you have to state before playing a provisional that the 2nd ball is a provisional? In which case, wouldn't it be sufficient merely to OMIT to declare the 2nd ball as a provisional for it to be the ball in play, regardless of whether the first ball is found?
Lou Lou
Dear Lou Lou,
Unplayable ball: You may declare a ball unplayable anywhere on the golf course (except in a water hazard) and proceed under any of the relief options in Rule 28.
Lost ball: You may not “declare” a ball “lost.” However, once you put a second ball into play without stating that it is a provisional, then your original ball is officially lost by definition, regardless of whether you later find it. That second ball is in play. Count both shots and add one penalty stroke to your score.
Linda
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