When to play a provisional ball.

A provisional saves a return trip when your ball might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.

Plain-language guide · Rule 18.3. Use the current official text and your round’s Local Rules for a ruling.

Before playing it

Clearly announce that it is provisional. Say, “I’m playing a provisional,” then play another ball. This option is for a ball that might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds—not merely one that might be in water.

What happens next

If you find the original ball in bounds within the search time, normally abandon the provisional and continue with the original. If the original is lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, the provisional becomes your ball in play with stroke-and-distance applied.

Do not play past the original by mistake

If you play the provisional from nearer the hole than where the original ball is estimated to be, the provisional becomes the ball in play. Check the situation before making that next stroke.