Dr. Robin Farran is widely regarded as one of the top USGA Rules Officials in the country. He also happens to teach Advanced Rules at the Golf Academy, which is why we are fortunate to have access to his weekly Rules quandaries. This week’s involves determining which ball is in play. As always, there are three scenarios:
1. Player A’s tee shot heads deep right toward a boundary fence. Player A, in distress, says, “I might not find that ball. Just in case, I will play another ball,” tees a ball, and plays it. Player A find the original ball and his second ball on the course.
**Player A’s second ball played from the tee is his ball in play. Player A failed to meet the requirements of Rule 27-2a by announcing his intent to play a provisional ball – see Decision 27-2a/1. The original ball became a lost ball when the second ball was played – see item “c” in Definition of “Lost Ball.”
2. On a par-3 hole, Player B’s tee shot flies over and beyond the putting green towards a line of white stakes that define out of bounds. Player B states his intent to play a provisional ball, with distinctive markings. The provisional ball also flies over and beyond the putting green. Player B states his intent to play a second provisional ball. The second provisional ball lands on the putting green. All three balls are found on the course.
**Player B’s original ball is his ball in play. The first and second provisional balls must be abandoned.
3. On a par-3 hole, Player C’s tee shot flies over and beyond the putting green towards a line of white stakes that define out of bounds. Player C states his intent to play a provisional, with distinctive markings. The provisional ball also flies over and beyond the putting green. Player C, in distress, says, “What a bad day!”, then tees up and plays another ball. The third ball played from the tee lands on the putting green. All three balls are found on the course.
**Player C’s original ball is his ball in play. Each ball played bears a relationship to the previous ball played. If the original ball had not been found, the third ball played would become the ball in play since there was no announcement that the third ball was a provisional ball. See the Note to Rule 27-2a and Decision 27-2a/4.