Rules question · Rule 18.3c · Expert
Played the provisional on, then found my original ball: what now?
You played a provisional ball and then play it again from a spot nearer the hole than where your original ball is estimated to be. Then you find your original ball within the three minutes. What now?
Answer
You must continue with the provisional ball, the original is no longer in play
As soon as you play the provisional ball from a spot nearer the hole than the estimated spot of the original ball, it becomes your ball in play under penalty of one stroke. The original ball is then out of play, even if you find it in time.
Video on this RuleProvisional ball near a penalty areaIn the lexiconProvisional ballTest yourselfTen questions in the rules quiz →