What Is A Provisional Hit In Golf

What is a Provisional Hit in Golf?

Imagine you’re on the golf course on a crisp morning, the sun peeking through the clouds. You’re about to take your shot, but a pesky gust of wind blows your ball into the rough. What do you do? If you’re like many golfers, you might be tempted to play it as it lies. But wait! Before you make that decision, you should consider the provisional hit rule.

A provisional hit is a stroke played under the Rule of Golf 27-1b, which allows you to continue playing when you are unsure whether your original ball is playable or if it has been lost or out of bounds. This rule is designed to save time and prevent you from having to search for your ball or take a penalty stroke.

Provisional Hit in Action

Let’s say you tee off on a par-4 hole. Your ball lands in the middle of the fairway, but as you walk down the fairway, you realize that your ball has disappeared. You’re not sure if it rolled into a hazard or if someone picked it up by mistake. Instead of spending the next hour searching for your ball, you can declare a provisional ball and continue playing.

You hit your provisional ball and it lands on the green. Great! Now you have two options. You can either go back to the spot where you hit your first ball and continue playing it, or you can abandon your first ball and play your provisional ball from the green. If you find your first ball later, you can decide which one you want to play.

Tips for Using the Provisional Hit Rule

• Use it when you’re unsure: If you’re not sure whether your ball is playable or if it’s lost or out of bounds, don’t hesitate to declare a provisional ball. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Play it from the same spot: When you declare a provisional ball, make sure you play it from the same spot as your original ball. This will help you to maintain a consistent line of play.
• Mark your provisional ball: Once you’ve played your provisional ball, be sure to mark it so that you can easily identify it later. You can do this by placing a tee or a coin next to it.
• Be honest with yourself: If you find your original ball after you’ve played your provisional ball, be honest with yourself about which ball you want to play. Don’t try to cheat by playing the better ball.

FAQ on Provisional Hits

Q: When should I declare a provisional ball?

A: You should declare a provisional ball any time you are unsure whether your original ball is playable or if it is lost or out of bounds.

Q: Do I have to play my provisional ball from the same spot as my original ball?

A: Yes, you must play your provisional ball from the same spot as your original ball.

Q: Can I play both my original ball and my provisional ball?

A: No, you can only play one ball at a time. If you find your original ball after you’ve played your provisional ball, you must decide which ball you want to play.

Q: What happens if I find my original ball and it’s in a better position than my provisional ball?

A: If you find your original ball and it’s in a better position than your provisional ball, you can choose to play either ball.

Conclusion

The provisional hit rule is a valuable tool that can save you time and frustration on the golf course. By following these tips, you can use the rule to your advantage and improve your chances of scoring well.

Are you interested in learning more about the provisional hit rule?