How Do You Score A Provisional Shot In Golf

How Do You Score a Provisional Shot in Golf?

I was playing in a tournament a few weeks ago when I hit my drive into the trees. I couldn’t find my ball, so I played a provisional shot. I ended up finding my original ball, and I was able to finish the hole with a bogey. I’m glad I knew how to score a provisional shot. Otherwise, I would have had to take a penalty stroke.

A provisional shot is a stroke that is played when the player is unsure whether their original shot has been lost or out of bounds. The player must declare their intention to play a provisional shot before they hit it. If the original ball is found, the provisional shot does not count. If the original ball is not found, the provisional shot becomes the player’s score for the hole.

Declaring a Provisional Shot

To declare a provisional shot, the player must say “provisional shot” before they hit the ball. The player can also indicate their intention to play a provisional shot by placing a white tee or marker at the spot where the original ball was hit.

The player does not have to declare a provisional shot if they are certain that their original ball is lost or out of bounds. However, it is always a good idea to declare a provisional shot if there is any doubt about the status of the original ball.

Playing a Provisional Shot

The provisional shot is played from the same spot as the original shot. The player must use the same club and hit the ball in the same direction as the original shot. The provisional shot does not count if the original ball is found.

If the original ball is not found, the provisional shot becomes the player’s score for the hole. The player must record the provisional shot on their scorecard and add one penalty stroke to their score.

Tips for Playing a Provisional Shot

• Declare your intention to play a provisional shot before you hit the ball.
• Use the same club and hit the ball in the same direction as the original shot.
• If you find your original ball, cancel your provisional shot.
• If you don’t find your original ball, record your provisional shot on your scorecard and add one penalty stroke to your score.

Conclusion

Knowing how to score a provisional shot can save you a penalty stroke. If you are ever unsure whether your original ball is lost or out of bounds, declare a provisional shot.

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Additional Tips for Playing a Provisional Shot

In addition to the tips above, here are a few more tips for playing a provisional shot:

• If you are playing in a tournament, be sure to check with the tournament committee before playing a provisional shot.
• If you are playing in a casual round, you can play a provisional shot for any reason.
• You can play a provisional shot for your second, third, or fourth shot on a hole.
• You can only play one provisional shot per hole.

FAQs About Provisional Shots

Q: Do I have to declare a provisional shot if I am sure that my original ball is lost or out of bounds?
A: No, you do not have to declare a provisional shot if you are certain that your original ball is lost or out of bounds. However, it is always a good idea to declare a provisional shot if there is any doubt about the status of the original ball.

Q: Can I play a provisional shot for my second, third, or fourth shot on a hole?
A: Yes, you can play a provisional shot for any shot on a hole. However, you can only play one provisional shot per hole.

Q: What happens if I find my original ball after I have played a provisional shot?
A: If you find your original ball after you have played a provisional shot, you must cancel your provisional shot. The original ball becomes your score for the hole.