When can a provisional ball be played according to golf rules?

The concept of a provisional ball in golf is designed to facilitate play when there is uncertainty about the status of the original ball, particularly regarding whether it might be lost or out of bounds.

A provisional ball can be played if the player suspects that their original ball might be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds. This allows the player to continue the game without excessive delays while searching for the original ball. The rules specify that the provisional ball must be declared before it is hit, ensuring clarity and adherence to the regulations.

In sum, option C is correct because it aligns with the established rules regarding provisional balls, which specifically address situations where the original ball's status is questionable, thereby simplifying the gameplay and reducing time spent on searching for a potentially lost ball.