When playing again from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued), a ball that is placed, droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) or teed in the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued) is not in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) until the player makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at it (definition of “in play” and Rule 6.2).
For example, a player plays from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued), searches briefly for their ball and then goes back and tees another ball. Before the player plays the teed ball, and within the three-minute search time, the original ball is found. The player may abandon the teed ball and continue with the original ball without penalty, but is also allowed to proceed under stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) by playing from the teeing areaTeeing Area: The area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing.(...Continued).
However, if the player had played from the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued) and then droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) another ball to take stroke-and-distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) relief, the outcome would be different in that the player must continue with the droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball under penalty of stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued). If the player continued with the original ball in this case, they would be playing a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued).
If a player lifts their ball when not allowed to do so, the player cannot avoid the one-stroke penalty under Rule 9.4b by then deciding to play under stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued).
For example, a player’s tee shot comes to rest in a wooded area. The player picks up a ball, believing it is a stray ball, but discovers the ball was the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued). The player then decides to play under stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued).
The player gets one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4b in addition to the stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) penalty under Rule 18.1, since at the time the ball was lifted the player was not allowed to lift the ball and had no intention to play under stroke and distance. The player’s next stroke will be their fourth.
A player is allowed three minutes to search for his or her ball before it becomes lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued). However, there are situations when the “clock stops” and such time does not count towards the player’s three minutes.
The following examples illustrate how to account for the time when a search is temporarily interrupted:
In stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), a player searches for their ball for one minute and finds a ball. The player assumes that ball is his or her ball, takes 30 seconds to decide how to make the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued), choose a club, and plays that ball. The player then discovers that it is a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued).
When the player returns to the area where the original ball was likely to be and resumes search, they have two more minutes to search. The time of search stopped when the player found the wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) and stopped searching.
A player has been searching for their ball for two minutes when play is suspended by the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course.. The player continues searching. When three minutes has elapsed from when the player began searching, the ball is lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) even if the three-minute search time ends while play is suspended.
A player has been searching for their ball for one minute when play is suspended. The player continues to search for one more minute and then stops the search to seek shelter. When the player returns to the courseCourse: The entire area of play within the edge of any boundaries set by the Committee:(...Continued) to resume play, the player is allowed one more minute to search for the ball even if play has not been resumed.
A player finds and identifies their ball in high rough after a two-minute search. The player leaves the area to get a club. When he or she returns, the ball cannot be found. The player has one minute to search before the ball becomes lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued). The three-minute search time stopped when the ball was first found.
A player is searching for their ball for two minutes, then steps aside to allow the following group to play through. The search time stops when the search is temporarily stopped, and the player is allowed one more minute to search.
A player is searching for their ball, which is believed to be covered by sand in a bunkerBunker: A specially prepared area of sand, which is often a hollow from which turf or soil was removed.(...Continued). The player is unsure what actions they are allowed to take to try to find the ball and so they stop searching after one minute to ask a refereeReferee: An official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.(...Continued) or the CommitteeCommittee: The person or group in charge of the competition or the course. for a ruling. After two more minutes, a refereeReferee: An official named by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules.(...Continued) arrives and gives the player a ruling.
When the player resumes search, they have two minutes to find the ball.
A player may instruct their caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) not to begin searching for their ball.
For example, a player hits a long drive into heavy rough and another player hits a short drive into heavy rough. The player’s caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) starts walking ahead to the location where the player’s ball might be to start searching. Everyone else, including the player, walks towards the location where the other player’s ball might be to look for that player’s ball.
The player may direct their caddieCaddie: Someone who helps a player during a round, including in these ways:(...Continued) to look for the other player’s ball and delay search for their ball until everyone else can assist.
Rule 18.2a(1) provides that a player must promptly attempt to identify a ball that is found when it is believed that the found ball could be the player’s ball. And, when attempting to do so, the player is allowed a reasonable amount of time to identity it.
However, so long as the player’s ball is found and identified during the three-minute search time, the player may take as much time within those three minutes to identify it. But, when a ball is found close to the end of the three-minute search time, it is reasonable to allow the player up to one minute to identify the ball.
For example, a player finds a ball in a tree 2 minutes and 30 seconds after the search began but is not immediately able to identify it as theirs. In this case, it is reasonable to allow the player one minute to try to identify the ball, meaning if the player is able to identify the ball within 3 minutes and 30 seconds after the search began, the ball is not lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued). But if the player discovers the ball is not theirs after the three-minute search time has finished, their ball is now lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) and the player has no additional time to search.
Similarly, when a ball is found close to the end of the three-minute search time but the player is not where the ball is found, Rule 18.2a(1) also allows the player a reasonable time to get to the location where the ball is and, once there, it is reasonable to allow the player up to one minute to identify it. (New)
If a flow of water (either temporary waterTemporary Water: Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:(...Continued) or water in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued)) carries a ball out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), the player must take stroke-and-distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) relief (Rule 18.2b). Water is a natural forceNatural Forces: The effects of nature such as wind, water or when something happens for no apparent reason because of the effects of gravity., not an outside influenceOutside Influence: Any of these people or things that can affect what happens to a player’s ball or equipment or to the course:, therefore Rule 9.6 does not apply.
When a player is deciding whether they are allowed to play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued), only the information that is known by the player at that time is considered.
Examples where a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) may be played include when:
The original ball might be in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued), but it might also be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) outside a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued) or be out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued).
A player believes the original ball came to rest in the general areaGeneral Area: The area of the course that covers all of the courseexcept for the other four defined areas: (1) the teeing area the player must play from in starting the hole they are playing, (2) all penalty areas, (3) all bunkers, and (4) the putting green of the hole the player is playing.(...Continued) and it might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued). If it is later found in a penalty areaPenalty Area: An area from which relief with a one-stroke penalty is allowed if the player’s ball comes to rest there.(...Continued) within the three-minute search time, the player must abandon the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued).
A player may play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) for a ball that might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) up until the point when the three-minute search time has ended.
For example, if a player is able to return to the spot of their previous strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) before the three-minute search time has ended, the player is allowed to do so.
If the player plays the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) and the original ball is then found within the three-minute search time, the player must continue play with the original ball.
When a player plays multiple balls from the same spot, each ball relates only to the previous ball played.
For example, a player plays a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) believing that their tee shot might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) or out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued). The provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) is struck in the same direction as the original ball and, without any announcement, they play another ball from the tee. This ball comes to rest in the fairway.
If the original ball is not lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) or out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), the player must continue play with the original ball without penalty.
However, if the original ball is lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) or out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), the player must continue play with the third ball played from the tee since it was played without any announcement. Therefore, the third ball was a ball substitutedSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) for the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) under penalty of stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) (Rule 18.1), regardless of the provisional ball’sProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) location. The player has now taken 5 strokes (including penalty strokes) with the third ball played from the tee.
When playing a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued), it is best if the player uses the word “provisional” in their announcement. However, other statements that make it clear that the player’s intent is to play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) are acceptable.
Examples of announcements that clearly indicate the player is playing a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) include:
“I’m playing a ball under Rule 18.3.”
“I’m going to play another just in case.”
Examples of announcements that do not clearly indicate the player is playing a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) and mean that the player would be putting a ball into play under stroke and distanceStroke and Distance: The procedure and penalty when a player takes relief under Rules 17, 18 or 19 by playing a ball from where the previous stroke was made (see Rule 14.6).(...Continued) include:
“I’m going to re-load.”
“I’m going to play another.”
Taking actions other than a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued), such as droppingDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued), placing or substitutingSubstitute: To change the ball the player is using to play a hole by having another ball become the ball in play.(...Continued) another ball nearer to the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than where the original ball is estimated to be are not “playing” the provisional ball and do not cause that ball to lose its status as a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued).
For example, a player’s tee shot may be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) 175 yards from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued), so they play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued). After briefly searching for the original ball, the player goes forward to play the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) that is in a bush 150 yards from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued). They decide the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) is unplayable and dropDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) it under Rule 19.2c. Before playing the droppedDrop: To hold the ball and let go of it so that it falls through the air, with the intent for the ball to be in play.(...Continued) ball, the player’s original ball is found by a spectator within three minutes of when the player started the search.
In this case, the original ball remained the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) because it was found within three minutes of beginning the search and the player had not made a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) from a spot nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than where the original ball was estimated to be.
Rule 18.3c(2) uses the spot where the player “estimates” their original ball to be when determining whether the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) has been played from nearer the hole than that spot, and whether the original or provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued). The estimated spot is not where the original ball ends up being found. Rather, it is the spot the player reasonably thinks or assumes that ball to be.
Examples of determining which ball is in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) include:
A player, believing that their original ball might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) or out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), plays a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) that does not come to rest nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than the estimated spot of the original ball. The player finds a ball and plays it, believing it was the original ball. The player then discovers that the ball that was played was the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued).
In this case, the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) was not played from a spot nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than the estimated spot of the original ball. Therefore, the player may resume searching for the original ball. If the original ball is found within three minutes of starting the search, it remains the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) and the player must abandon the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued). If the three-minute search time expires before the original ball is found, the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) is the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).
A player, believing their tee shot might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued) or over a road defined as out of boundsOut of Bounds: All areas outside the boundary edge of the course as defined by the Committee. All areas inside that edge are in bounds.(...Continued), plays a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued). The player searches for the original ball briefly but does not find it. The player goes forward and plays the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) from a spot nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than where the original ball was estimated to be. Then the player goes forward and finds the original ball in bounds. The original ball must have bounced down the road and then come back in bounds, because it was found much farther forward than anticipated.
In this case, the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) became the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) when it was played from a spot nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than where the original ball was estimated to be. The original ball is no longer in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) and must be abandoned.
Even if a player prefers to continue play of the hole with a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) without searching for the original ball, the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. or another player in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued) may search for the player’s original ball so long as it does not unreasonably delay play. If the player’s original ball is found while it is still in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued), the player must abandon the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) (Rule 18.3c(3)).
For example, at a par-3 hole, a player’s tee shot goes into dense woods, and they play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) that comes to rest near the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued). Given this outcome, the player does not wish to find the original ball and walks directly towards the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) to continue play with it. The player’s opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. or another player in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued) believes it would be beneficial to them if the original ball was found, so they begin searching for it.
If they find the original ball before the player makes another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) the player must abandon the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) and continue with the original ball. However, if the player makes another strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) with the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) before the original ball is found, it becomes the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) because it was nearer the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) than the estimated spot of the original ball (Rule 18.3c(2)).
In match playMatch Play: A form of play where a player or side plays directly against an opponent or opposing side in a head-to-head match of one or more rounds:(...Continued), if the player’s provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) is nearer the hole than the opponent’sOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. ball, the opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. may cancel the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) and have the player play in the proper order (Rule 6.4a). However, cancelling the strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) would not change the status of the original ball, which is no longer in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued).
So long as the original ball has not already been found in bounds, the score with a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) that has been holedHoled: When a ball is at rest in the hole after a stroke and the entire ball is below the surface of the putting green.(...Continued) becomes the player’s score for the hole when the player lifts the ball from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) since, in this case, lifting the ball from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) is the same as making a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued).
For example, at a short hole, Player A’s tee shot might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued), so they play a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) that is holedHoled: When a ball is at rest in the hole after a stroke and the entire ball is below the surface of the putting green.(...Continued). Player A does not wish to look for the original ball, but Player B, Player A’s opponentOpponent: The person a player competes against in a match. The term opponent applies only in match play. or another player in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), goes to look for the original ball.
If Player B finds Player A’s original ball before Player A lifts the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued), Player A must abandon the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) and continue with the original ball. If Player A lifts the ball from the holeHole: The finishing point on the putting green for the hole being played:(...Continued) before Player B finds Player A’s original ball, Player A’s score for the hole is three.
If a player lifts their provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) when not allowed to do so under the Rules, and the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) subsequently becomes the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued), the player must add one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4b (Penalty for Lifting or Moving Ball) and must replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) the ball.
For example, in stroke playStroke Play: A form of play where a player or side competes against all other players or sides in the competition.(...Continued), believing their tee shot might be lostLost: The status of a ball that is not found in three minutes after the player or their caddie (or the player’s partner or partner’scaddie) begins to search for it. A ball does not become lost as a result of the player declaring it to be lost.(...Continued), the player plays a provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued). The player finds a ball that they believe is the original ball, makes a strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) at it, picks up the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued), and then discovers that the ball they played was not the original ball, but a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued). The player resumes search for the original ball but cannot find it within the three-minute search time.
Since the provisional ballProvisional Ball: Another ball played in case the ball just played by the player may be:(...Continued) became the ball in playIn Play: The status of a player’s ball when it lies on the course and is being used in the play of a hole:(...Continued) under penalty of stroke and distance, the player is required to replaceReplace: To place a ball by setting it down by hand and letting it go, with the intent for it to be in play.(...Continued) that ball and gets one penalty stroke under Rule 9.4b. The player also gets two penalty strokes for playing a wrong ballWrong Ball: Any ball other than the player’s:(...Continued) (Rule 6.3c). The player’s next strokeStroke: The forward movement of the club made to strike the ball.(...Continued) is their seventh.