So, I played decently today, under my handicap until it came to the 15th hole. For some reason I couldnt hit the ball to save my life. First ball was a massive slice deep into the woods. Played my provisional ball which was a pull slice into grass as deep as hell I would never end up finding. Third ball went slicing and joined the first ball in the woods. At this point I am getting frustrated to the point I was considering giving up golf. Thought maybe a fourth ball would do it, nope...ended up pulling it and it sailed waaaaay out of bounds. I had no idea what to do at this point, risk losing any faith I had left in my golfing abilities or try to attempt to get the next one on the fairway. As if the heavens answed, my fifth ball managed to land in the rough next to the fairway...about 100m out...on a par 5 hole...I didn't care, it was like chirstmas to me! Finally a ball in play.
Luckily no one was around so I could save the embarassment and carry on as normal. After 5 more hits I made it to the hole. But, what is my score? I played with my 4th provisional ball, and then hit that ball 6 times (including tee shot). My total strokes is 14??? Or can I ignore the first three provisional balls?