The rules of golf are a reoccurring theme at The Grateful Golfer. They are important to the integrity of the game, but more importantly for those aspiring players who want to compete in tournaments. This video below by Golf Monthly is brilliant. It explains three simple rules that will save you strokes in the long run!
The three important points that resonate with me are:
- actually saying the words “provisional ball”;
- when dropping the ball, it can roll outside two club lengths as long as it goes no closer to the hole; and
- when taking free relief, it must be full relief.
Did you know these rules and do you apply them properly?
What caught your attention about these three important rules?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
There is no such thing as deeming your ball lost!!!
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You are correct. A person must declare it lost.
Cheers
Jim
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I played against a guy in a match-play comp, who took a provisional ball off the tee. It came from the same sleeve as the original and had the same marks. He did not like it when we found a ball and he said it was his first tee shot, and I said you can not prove that.
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Pete
You absolutely right! Many people do not realize that using a different ball marking or number is critical! I was definitely 3 off the tee if he was playing with me. Another great tip for the readers. Thanks.
Cheers
Jim
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Great points, Jim. I’ve heard a lot of stories about inexperienced guys in tournaments getting into trouble by not declaring their provisional by saying the actual words. Then, voila, their re-teed ball is in play and they are lying 3 even if they find their first ball.
Good post
Cheers!
Josh
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Josh,
I have lived each of these rules in tournaments. It is amazing how many players do not even realized they are making an error. Thanks for weighing in.
Cheers
Jim
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I thought even if you play a provisional, if found the original ball is in play ?
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Pete
That is absolutely right, the only difference would be if the person declares the first ball lost, then finds it, the ball is lost and he must play the provisional! Your questions are awesome, keep them coming.
Cheers
Jim
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If you declare a provisional properly, by saying the word “provisional”, then it is not in play until you deem your first ball lost. If you simply hit another tee shot without declaring it properly (as a provisional), that ball is automatically in play no matter if you find your first or not.
Cheers
Josh
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Josh
Exactly! That is where most people get confused. Thanks.
Cheers
Jim
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