Can I hit a provisional?
You may play a provisional when your ball might be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds.
By Fore Alarm · Updated October 31, 2026
You may play a provisional when your ball might be lost outside a penalty area or might be out of bounds.
- Tell someone you are playing a provisional before making the stroke.
- If your original is found in bounds outside a penalty area in time, abandon the provisional before it has become the ball in play.
If the only possible place your ball is lost is inside a penalty area, a provisional is not allowed.
Official R&A / USGA Rules · Rule 18.3 ↗
On-course example
Your drive may be in deep rough outside a penalty area. Announce a provisional before hitting, then follow the provisional-ball procedure when you reach the search area.
Before you act
Identify the area of the course, check the relevant Local Rules, and establish your reference point before lifting or moving a ball. Ask the Committee or a referee when a competition ruling is unclear.
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