If a player realizes their ball is out of bounds, what action should they take?

When a player realizes their ball is out of bounds, the appropriate action is to play a provisional ball. This is essential because once a player determines their original ball is out of bounds, they cannot continue with that ball. Instead, they have the option to play a provisional ball from the spot of their last stroke, which allows them to keep the pace of play moving while they confirm that the original ball is indeed out of bounds.

If a player chooses to play from the nearest point of relief without confirming the status of the original ball, they are not following proper protocol, since they cannot take relief from an out-of-bounds situation. Continuing to play the original ball is not allowed and could lead to penalties. Seeking a ruling may be helpful in uncertain situations, but it does not facilitate the continuation of play like hitting a provisional ball does. Thus, playing a provisional ball is the most strategic and practical choice in this scenario.