Friday, June 14, 2019

Ask Linda 1936-Provisional ball limit

Hi Linda, 
How many provisional balls possible in one hole in case of several bad shots in repetition? 
Thanks,
Lou from Pakistan

Dear Lou,

There is no limit to the number of provisional balls a player may hit. Keep in mind that a provisional is only permitted for a ball that might be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds [Rule 18.3a]. You may not continue to hit provisional balls after you hit a ball in bounds and findable.

Each provisional ball has the same relationship to the prior provisional ball as the first provisional has to the original. For example, if you hit three provisional balls, you don’t find your original ball or the first provisional, and you find both the second and third provisional balls, the second provisional ball is now your ball in play, and was your fifth shot on the hole. When you hit it again it will be your sixth shot on the hole (assuming the original ball was your first shot playing the hole). Do not count any shots with the third provisional ball.

Linda
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