Rules FAQ

Rule 27-1

Original Ball Found, Player wishes to Continue with Provisional Ball

Q.  A player played his tee shot into deep woods. He played a provisional ball to the fairway. Before reaching the provisional ball a few spectators, a fellow-competitor, or an official have found a ball in the area where the original is likely to be. Can the player still continue with the provisional ball?

A.  No. Once a ball is found in that area, the player is obligated to identify it. A player may not declare a ball lost. (See Decisions 27/16 and 27-2/2)

Below you can view videos related to this Rule.
Video
Tee shots into a ravine
On the third playoff hole at the 2001 Buick Invitational, Phil Mickelson and Frank Lickliter both drove their tee shots into a ravine.
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Video
Landed in a tree
During the 3rd round of the 1987 US Open, Tommy Nakajima’s approach shot on the final hole landed in a tree, short of the green. A volunteer helped him search for the ball, but to no avail.
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