What is a provisional shot in golf?

A provisional shot in golf is a second ball played by a player after hitting their original ball out of bounds or into a hazard, in order to save time and potentially save a stroke if the original ball cannot be found.

According to the Rules of Golf, a provisional shot must be played before the player goes to search for the original ball. The player must announce to his playing partners that he is playing a provisional ball, stating clearly that it is a provisional ball. The provisional ball is then played from the same spot as the original shot, and the player must play the provisional ball if the original cannot be found or is unplayable.

If the original ball is found within the three-minute search time allowed, the player must abandon the provisional ball and continue play with the original ball. However, if the original ball cannot be found or is deemed unplayable, the player must continue play with the provisional ball, adding a penalty stroke to their score.

Provisional shots are a strategic move in golf to potentially save strokes and time lost in searching for a lost ball.