Originally Posted by aaa

"But if I launch one towards some known OB or lat hazard (or other potential lost ball spot) I'll hit a provisional to avoid the walk of shame.

I was making the point that if he believes it is in a lateral water hazard, he may not take a provisional

Decision 27-2a/2
Q. A player's tee shot might be in a water hazard, but clearly it is not lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds. The player announces that, since his ball might be in the hazard, he is going to play a provisional ball and he does so. Rule 27-2a seems to prohibit a provisional ball in the circumstances. What is the ruling?

A. The player did not play a provisional ball which, according to the Definition of “Provisional Ball”, is a ball played under Rule 27-2 for a ball which may be lost outside a water hazard or may be out of bounds. The second ball from the tee was in play since it was not a provisional ball.