What Is a Provisional Ball in Golf?
Provisional Ball: A second ball played from the same spot when you think your original may be lost or out of bounds.
Provisional Ball — full definition
A second ball played from the same spot when you believe your original ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds. Playing a provisional saves time by eliminating the need to walk back. If the original is found in bounds, you continue with it; if not, the provisional becomes the ball in play under stroke-and-distance penalty.
Provisional Ball — frequently asked
Provisional Ball — when should you play one?
- When your ball may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds
- Saves time by eliminating the walk back
- You must announce “provisional ball” before playing it
Provisional Ball — what happens next?
- Original found in bounds → continue with the original, pick up the provisional
- Original lost or OB → the provisional is now in play under stroke-and-distance
More on Provisional Ball
A provisional is a pace-of-play device as much as a rules one, which is why event organizers care about it.
- Charity scramble directoryShotgun-start events live and die on pace of play.
- US golf associations directoryWhere to check the competition rules before you announce anything.
Other rules & penalties
Stymie
A historic golf term for when an opponent’s ball blocked your path to the hole on the putting green.
Lateral Hazard
Now called a red penalty area — a hazard running alongside the line of play.
Out of Bounds
The area beyond the course boundary, marked by white stakes or a fence.
Unplayable Lie
You can declare your ball unplayable anywhere except in a penalty area, with three relief options.
Ground Under Repair
A marked area on the course where you get free relief — no penalty.
Embedded Ball
A ball stuck in its own pitch-mark in the general area — you get free relief.
Free Relief
Relief without penalty, available in specific situations defined by the Rules of Golf.