Hazard rule

Question
We have a hole on our course where much of a hazard is not in view from the tee and the practice is to search for the ball and if lost return to the tee to play a second ball, my question is to keep play moving can a local rule be introduced to play a provisional in such a case.  

Answer
David,

The question is somewhat confusing but I guess what you're saying is that there's proof that the ball not found is indeed not in the hazard.

Here is what I have found out. First this from Rule-26.

26-1. Relief for Ball in Water Hazard
It is a question of fact whether a ball that has not been found after having been struck toward a water hazard is in the hazard. In order to apply this Rule, it must be known or virtually certain that the ball is in the hazard. In the absence of such knowledge or certainty, the player must proceed under Rule 27-1.

Rule 27-1. Stroke and Distance; Ball Out of Bounds; Ball Not Found Within Five Minutes

From 33-8
A Rule of Golf must not be waived by a Local Rule. However, if a Committee considers that local abnormal conditions interfere with the proper playing of the game to the extent that it is necessary to make a Local Rule that modifies the Rules of Golf, the Local Rule must be authorized by the USGA.

My suggestion is to write the USGA or The R%26A.

Michael
PGA Professional