Linda,
A player’s tee shot heads towards trees and rough.
Not knowing if the ball can be found she/he hits a provisional ball.
The original ball is found, however the player deemed that it is unplayable.
Since the player hit a provisional ball, can the player treat the provisional ball as the ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance?
Here's a similar question:
A player’s tee shot heads toward penalty area that is also close to out of bounds marker.
Player hits a provisional in case the original ball cannot be found.
Original ball is found in penalty area.
The player would rather take stroke and distance relief vs. play as lies, back-on-the-line relief, or lateral relief.
Since the player hit a provisional ball, could the player use the provisional ball as the ball in play?
Thanks,
Lulu from Cincinnati, Ohio
Dear Lulu,
The answer to both questions is no.
When you find your original ball, you are required to abandon the provisional ball, provided the provisional ball has not been played from a spot nearer the hole than where the original ball is estimated to be [Rule 18.3c(2)]. You must continue play with the original ball [Rule 18.3c(3)]. If the original ball is unplayable, and you decide to choose the stroke-and-distance relief option, you must return to the spot where you hit your previous shot and play another ball.
Linda
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