If it might be lost, play a provisional.
Tell your marker or another player that you are playing a provisional, then play again from where the previous stroke was made. This keeps the group moving if the original cannot be found.
Your three-step decision
- 1
Before going forward, judge the risk
If the ball may be lost outside a penalty area or may be out of bounds, you may play a provisional ball.
- 2
Say that it is provisional
Make your intention clear before the stroke. Simply saying “I’ll hit another” may not be enough.
- 3
Search for up to three minutes
The clock starts when you or your caddie begin searching. Find the original in time and it remains the ball in play; otherwise it is lost.
Two details matter
Penalty area likely?
A provisional is not available when the ball is known or virtually certain to be in a penalty area.
Already walked forward?
You may still play a provisional if the search has not begun and doing so will not cause unreasonable delay.
Try the situation
Your tee shot may be lost outside a penalty area. What is the quickest rules-compliant option?
Check the official wording
This plain-English explanation is designed for quick learning. The current written Rules and Interpretations remain authoritative.