Q: Do you have to make a reasonable effort to find a ball that may be lost or out of bounds if you would prefer to continue play with a provisional ball that you have played to the middle of the fairway?
A: No, there is nothing in the Rules to say that a player must search for their ball. However, if the original ball is found on the course before the player has played their next stroke with the provisional ball they have to continue play with it, even if it is unplayable (Rule 27-2c). If they do deem their original ball unplayable they are penalised one stroke and must choose one of the three relief options available under Rule 28
Each month we will be posting a question to the membership on rules which generally come into effect at Gosford. Don’t be scared to interact with the proshop and let us know your thoughts. Email you replies to golf@gosfordgolf.com.au. So much of the rules of golf are open to interpretation. It’s always good to get the conversations started and you never know, you might learn something.