Scott R Chilcutt, Edmond, OK (December 1, 2012) Now you have hit the provisional, let's look at some of the situations and decisions based upon that election.
Your provisional ball does the same thing as the original ball (may be lost, etc...):
If a provisional ball played under rule 27-2a might be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, the player may play another provisional ball. If another provisional ball is played , it bears the same relationship to the previous provisional ball as the first provisional ball bears to the original ball.
In other words, if your first two are lost and you play the third provisional you will be hitting 5 off the tee. If your original ball is lost but your first provisional is found you abandon the second provisional.
Your provisional ball does not advance past the point of your original ball:
You may continue to play the provisional ball until it advances past the point of your original ball (or previous provisional).
When your provisional ball becomes the ball in play:
The ball is lost or out of bounds.
Here are a couple of decisions that many players don't understand that can effect your decision to play a provisional:
DON'T:
27-2a/2 Provisional Ball Played Solely in Belief Original Ball Might Be in Water Hazard
Q. A player's tee shot might be in a water hazard, but clearly it is not lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds. The player announces that, since his ball might be in the hazard, he is going to play a provisional ball and he does so. Rule 27-2a seems to prohibit a provisional ball in the circumstances. What is the ruling?
A. The player did not play a provisional ball which, according to the Definition of "Provisional Ball," is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball which may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds. The second ball from the tee was in play since it was not a provisional ball.
DO:
27-2a/2.2 Possibility That Original Ball Is in Water Hazard May Not Preclude Play of Provisional Ball
Q. If a player's original ball may have come to rest in a water hazard, is he precluded from playing a provisional ball?
A. No. Even though the original ball may be in a water hazard, the player is entitled to play a provisional ball if the original ball might also be lost outside the water hazard or out of bounds. In such a case, if the original ball is found in the water hazard, the provisional ball must be abandoned — Rule 27-2c (Formerly 27-2c/1)
27-2a/2.5 Player Plays Provisional Ball in Belief Original Ball Might Be Lost Outside Water Hazard Then Discovers There Is No Possibility of Its Being Lost Outside Water Hazard
Q. A player's tee shot is struck towards an area of trees, bushes and tall grass. Believing his ball might be lost outside a water hazard, the player announces his intention to play a provisional ball and plays a ball from the tee. When he arrives at the area, he finds that the area in question is wetlands that has been defined as a lateral water hazard and that it is known or virtually certain that his ball is in it. What is the ruling?
A. As the player played the second ball from the tee in the belief that his original ball might be lost outside a water hazard, that ball was a provisional ball. The subsequent discovery that the area in question is in fact a lateral water hazard is irrelevant. Therefore, the player must abandon the provisional ball and proceed under Rule 26-1 — see Rule 27-2c.
Are you totally confused? Don't be, the rules of golf can be your friend, spend time to take advantage of them and stay out of trouble.
Next Up - Dallas Tour resumes play at the Grand Prairie Classic on February 18, 2012. Hill Country Tour tees it up at the Winter Classic at Hyatt Hill Country on December 3rd. Oklahoma Tour is off until 2012 at the ST. Patty's Day @ KickingBird event. The first Major of the 2012 points year (another sell out) will be held at the Innisbrook Resort for the Winter Championship.
For more information:
Scott R Chilcutt
Tour DirectorDallas / Fort Worth - Hill Country - Oklahoma
Golf Channel Amateur Tour
405.513.1467 - 972.201.9478schilcutt@gcamtour.com
www.gcamtour.com
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