Article from Barry Rhodes author of the book, ‘999 Questions on the Rules of Golf’

Barry is author of the book, ‘999 Questions on the Rules of Golf’ and writes a regular blog of miscellaneous content on the rules of Golf at www.barryrhodes.com

http://www.golfshake.com/improve/rules-etiquette/you-cannot-declare-your-ball-lo
st/

If I was so sure that I didn't want to play the ball I had just hit on the tee (eg. lost deep in the woods!)....I would declare it unplayable and  take three from the tee.....or tell your partners to not look for your ball and tee up again after everyone else.

My understanding is that you can declare your ball unplayable at any time, and from that you have three choices of - back from the point you played your last shot - straight back as far as you want, keeping inline with the pin or within two club lengths, no nearer the hole 

Of course, Barry Rhodes (and Darren) are quite correct.

It's not possible to declare a ball lost.  If someone finds your ball and the 5 minute period (which starts only when you or your playing partner starts seraching for it) hasn't expired then that ball is in play unless you have put  another ball into play.  Playing another ball from the oriignal position without declaring it a provisional would mean that that ball is in play.

So, next time you are playing matchplay and your opponent tells you not to bother looking for his ball becuase it's in such a bad position just remember - it's always worth a quick look because if you find it they must play it unless they've hit a shot with another ball.   And, to be clear, they can't insist that you don't look for it!

Richard

Richard

where does it say they have to come over to identify the ball when you've found one before playing another ball?

What is stopping them from saying i am not sure that is it?

What is stopping them from declaring the ball unplayable?

Why on earth would anyone go looking for an opponents ball that could be in a bad lie when the option of three off thee is a far better scenario to play against.

where does it say they have to come over to identify the ball when you've found one before playing another ball?

In decision 27-2c/2

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Decision-27/#27-2c/2

John, in all of your experience are you saying you have never seen a situation where an opponent would be worse off playing from the original position rather than taking 3 from the tee??? 

Richard

What is stopping them from saying i am not sure that is it?

What is stopping them from declaring the ball unplayable?

Nothing, but they are still required to identify it if someone believes they have found it.

If you wish to make a ball lost. simply play another from the same place without declaring it to be a provisional ball. The original is now lost.  

Richard, I would glady accept the 2 shots I would gain from someone taking 3 off the tee and if I failed to win that hole then it would be my own fault.