DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Lost and provisional ball

**OWDavid** · 08-06-2012, 04:59 PM

So as far as "A" is concerned, do not declare the second ball provisional - just play it as your third stroke. There is no requirement to declare it provisional so if you wish to abandon the first ball, do not declare the new ball provisional.

Also, if your opponent finds the first ball you are not required to play it as it lies; you always have the option of declaring a ball "unplayable" and you can take the appropriate relief of "two club lengths no closer", "keep the spot where the ball is found between you and the hole" or "replay from the original spot".

Bad wording on my part - I meant that if the original ball was found before I hit the second shot on the provisional then the original is now in play and I've have all the normal options as you mentioned. I know I can just put a ball down on the tee and play for 3, but I always prefer to play a provisional if I'm uncertain if the first one is lost.

08-06-2012, 04:59 PM	#14
OWDavid Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 464 Senior Member	So as far as "A" is concerned, do not declare the second ball provisional - just play it as your third stroke. There is no requirement to declare it provisional so if you wish to abandon the first ball, do not declare the new ball provisional. Also, if your opponent finds the first ball you are not required to play it as it lies; you always have the option of declaring a ball "unplayable" and you can take the appropriate relief of "two club lengths no closer", "keep the spot where the ball is found between you and the hole" or "replay from the original spot". Bad wording on my part - I meant that if the original ball was found before I hit the second shot on the provisional then the original is now in play and I've have all the normal options as you mentioned. I know I can just put a ball down on the tee and play for 3, but I always prefer to play a provisional if I'm uncertain if the first one is lost.
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