This happened in a Ryder Cup format match between my course and the neighboring course over the summer: we were playing the back tees on a par 4 when my partner hit the tee sign for one of the forward tees and his ball caromed off toward an OB line. Since we were not sure if it was out or not, we had to hit a provisional. The issue was who has to hit the provisional. Do I hit the provisional because my partner hit the original tee shot (my answer) or does my partner hit again because the penalty stroke counts as my turn (our opponents opinion)? Since we were 3 up with 4 to play we didn't really argue that much about it, but it still bothers me whether or not we proceeded correctly. Any help is appreciated.

Penalty strokes don't count as a players turn, so in your case you were the player that was supposed to hit the provisional shot. This happened to me in a team ball format last year and that is what was ruled.

I find this to be an interesting question. I am no way a rules official and do not have a book in front of me...But I feel this would be your partner's turn. The penalty stroke would be added to the stroke that you already took. Now, if you incurred a penalty stroke by let's say..grounding your club in a bunker...I would still consider it your turn, being that you never actually took a swing.

Look at it this way...let's say you hit your tee shot over a water hazard on a par 3 and it lands dry (in play) and bounces in the hazard....it wouldn't be still your turn, even though a penalty stoke was added. I know that OB is different that a lateral, but just to make a point that a penalty stroke was assessed.

Just my thought on it, and would like someone to chime in with the text book ruling..

29-1/3 Who Plays Provisional Ball in Foursome

Q. A and B are partners in a foursome. A drives and there is doubt whether the ball is out of bounds. They decide to play a provisional ball. Who plays it?

A. The provisional ball is played by B.