Golf: When to Use a Provisional Ball & Rules

Question
Can a provisional ball be played if there is a doubt whether, following a stroke, a ball has entered a water hazard?

Answer
Dear Jack:

Thanks for asking this question.

You can use a provisional ball anytime you think you may not locate your ball.

If you think it has gone OB or in the woods or in the hazards, you can call it a provisional.

Just make sure you declare it a provisional before you hit it.

The rules do state you can/will be penalized though if you abuse the provisional rule, ie using it for practice shots.

Hope this helps.

Thanks.

Dan