Provisional ball

The following situation occurred at a private handicap invitational tournament (counting competition):

Player tees off, ball drifts to the left where the out line is. He does not play a provisional ball because he thought the ball was lying down. Counter and player search for the ball, which is ultimately not found, the search time of 3 minutes has probably been exceeded. Player is driven back by the counter (counter is travelling by car, health reasons) and now plays the provisional ball announced. Ball comes into play. Counter drives ahead and finds the original ball. Can the found ball now be played, or is it already out of play as the specified search time has probably been exceeded? Player has not played the first ball found. Thank you for your information.

The following applies to your question:

Playing a provisional ball after the start of the search time is permitted.

Interpretation:

18.3a/2 - Playing a provisional ball after the start of the search is permitted
Even if the three-minute search time has not yet ended, a player may play a provisional ball for a ball that may be lost, even if the original ball has not yet been found and identified.
original ball has not yet been found and identified.
Example: If a player can return to the spot where he played his previous shot and play a provisional ball before the three-minute search time has ended, the player may do so.
If the player plays the provisional ball and the original ball is then found within the search time of three minutes, the player must continue to play with the original ball.

However, the search time continues to run, even if the player goes back to the place where he played his original ball.

In this situation, I assume that the search time was exceeded and that the player acted in accordance with the rules. (even if the ball was found).

I will be happy to answer any further questions.


In the meantime, if you would like to know more about the Rules of Golf, please contact me directly at hans.kienesberger@golf.at.