The rules of golf were clarified just short 5 years ago. The governing bodies tried to simplify and combine the decision affecting golf in order to make it easier for beginners (and experience players) to understand how to play golf. One of the simple rules that provides some confusion is the lost ball rule. Rule 18, updated in 2023, covers a lost ball, out of bounds and hitting a provisional ball. This rule is the most basic of rules, yet often misunderstood. If you are planning to play in a competition or want to properly improve your golf game, then understanding rule 18 is very important. Here is a quick overview.
“Purpose of Rule: Rule 18 covers taking relief under penalty of stroke and distance. When a ball is lost outside a penalty area or comes to rest out of bounds, the required progression of playing from the teeing area to the hole is broken; the player must resume that progression by playing again from where the previous stroke was made.
This Rule also covers how and when a provisional ball may be played to save time when the ball in play might have gone out of bounds or be lost outside a penalty area.” (USGA)
Many of us do not like to spend the time to read the rules (which we all should once a year) so the USGA has simplified things with a short video.
From my experience, understanding this rule wins matches. I played in many stroke competitions over the years and players losing their golf balls was the biggest challenge. First, they did not understand the three off the tee or five off the tee if they lose two balls. They sometimes did not add that distance penalty to their score. Or they would play the out of bounds like a red stake and try and hit three from where they thought the ball went out of bounds. After challenging them on the rules, some were surprised and others demonstrated frustration or annoyance that I called them on this basic rule.
Lastly, hitting a provisional ball. Whenever I hit a ball that is suspect to being out of bounds or lost, I hit a provisional ball. It is a simple thing to do and it is automatic; the value of hitting a provisional ball is that it saves time and the embarrassing walk back to the tee or original hitting position. Some players do not want to hit immediately after a poor swing and ultimately that is their call, but hitting a provisional should be part of your game.
Understanding the rules of a lost ball, out of bounds and provisional balls is important. It speeds up the game and levels the playing field. If you are new to golf or need a refresher on the rules, this is a great place to start. One last thing you should know about lost golf balls:
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!