What happens when you hit a golf ball out of bounds? (and what is a provisional ball)
If your ball is out of bounds or lost (not found within three minutes), you take a one-stroke penalty and replay from where you last hit (stroke and distance). To save time, announce and hit a provisional ball before going forward. Some courses adopt a Local Rule letting you drop near where the ball went out for two penalty strokes.
Out of bounds: stroke and distance
Out of bounds is usually marked by white stakes or lines, or by a boundary fence. A ball is out when all of it lies beyond the boundary edge. Under Rule 18.2 the relief is stroke and distance: add one penalty stroke and play again from where your previous stroke was made. So if your tee shot goes out, your next shot from the tee is your third.
Lost ball: the three-minute search
A ball is lost if it isn't found within three minutes after you or your caddie begin searching (Rule 18.2a). The same stroke-and-distance relief applies. Keep searches short on a busy course; see our golf etiquette guide.
The provisional ball
A provisional ball lets you avoid walking back to the tee. Under Rule 18.3, if your ball might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds, you may play a provisional, but you must announce it as a provisional before you play it. If you don't, the new ball becomes your ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance. You can't play a provisional when the only place the ball could be lost is a penalty area (red or yellow stakes), which has its own relief options under Rule 17.
The alternative Local Rule
Many public courses adopt a Local Rule (Model Local Rule E-5) that lets golfers who didn't play a provisional drop near where the ball went out or was lost, on the fairway side, for two penalty strokes, rather than going back. It's meant for general play, not elite competitions. Check the scorecard or ask the pro shop.
Scoring example
| Shot | Count |
|---|---|
| Tee shot goes out of bounds | 1 |
| Penalty | +1 |
| Second tee shot (provisional) in fairway | 3 |
| Approach on green, two putts | 4, 5, 6 |
That's a double bogey. Learn the terms in birdie, eagle, bogey and par explained, and see how golf scoring works. Searching less also speeds up your round.
Frequently asked questions
How many strokes is out of bounds?
One penalty stroke plus loss of distance: you replay from where you last hit.
How long can you look for a golf ball?
Three minutes from when you or your caddie start searching.
Do you have to say 'provisional'?
You must announce you're playing a provisional ball; saying 'I'll play another' isn't enough under the Rules.