What is considered a provisional ball used for?

A provisional ball is specifically used in the context of golf to allow a player to continue play in the event that their original ball may be lost or out of bounds. If a player believes that their ball has been lost outside of a hazard, they can hit a provisional ball without returning to the original location. This serves as a backup to save time and maintain the pace of play. If the original ball is found in bounds, the provisional ball is simply abandoned. Thus, the role of the provisional ball is to provide an alternative that keeps the game moving smoothly while addressing the possibility of a lost ball.

In this situation, the other options do not accurately describe the purpose of a provisional ball. It does not replace a lost ball in a hazard, as the rules for hazards differ from those for out-of-bounds situations. A provisional ball does not provide a second shot; instead, it's used when there is uncertainty about the fate of the first ball. Additionally, it is not intended for practice purposes, as practice shots hold different rules and implications within the game.